A Fine Night at the Fine Line in MPLS

Horsegirl rolled through Minneapolis a few days ago and I was lucky enough to be at the Fine Line to witness their burgeoning greatness.

The sextet Godcaster opened the show, which included the acoustic guitarist Arcade Fire-ing his way into the crowd for some circle time. Excellent move and the entire band sounded wonderful, definitely living up to what their press release states: “If the most melancholic Beach Boys ballad was played at immeasurable volume.”

Godcaster

Up next was Lifeguard, a fiery three-piece from the windy city that makes you think a bit about Cap’n Jazz while you inhale their bursty guitar riffs and off-kiltered, pounding drums. I could not help but become fully immersed in their no-BS stage presence as they hammered through their 40-or-so minute set. Really brilliant stuff from this young band. Check out their debut album, Ripped and Torn,  stat.

Lifeguard

Then the clock struck 9:02pm. Horsegirl emerged from stage-right, humbly forming a triangular shape before a sea of their awaiting fans, and proceeded to pull the entire room (balcony included) into their brilliantly crafted wall of sound. It was inviting, catchy, and spacious. All the good things that make really good indie pop really good indie pop - reverberating guitars, dreamy vocal harmonies, no-rack-tom drum sets, and gorgeous, minimal, repetitive melodies galore. A short 48 minutes later and they promptly left us satisfied, but wanting more. More we did not get, but surely they will be back for a sold out show at the Mainroom soon.

Horsegirl