Image from Gorilla vs. Bear Presents:

Last night’s Grizzly Bear performance at the Granada Theater was an acoustic masterpiece to the ears. Though temperatures were uncomfortably high and the group waited a fashionably long time to enter the stage, my psychedelic quota for the month has been exceeded.

Brooklyn opener, Here We Go Magic attempted their stab at the ambiguous genre, leaving me feeling a little exhausted,  reaching to give  them credit as legitimate musicians. I understand the initial bias of an “opening” act and the lengths it takes to get even a couple head bobs from the crowd. Even so, this mandates any opener to step it up and outperform even themselves.

Grizzly Bear’s explanation for their tardiness was quite sincere and I was instantly content with waiting for late arrivals as soon as they strummed their first minor chords in chaotic harmony. Opening with “Southern Point” off the new album, Veckatimest (Warp) was a perfect take-off to an ethereal Monday night.

Their following tracks were equally solid and on key, however the night’s credit definitely goes to Granada Theater Grizzly Bear lighting. After being to a couple festivals and concerts myself, it’s good to see professionals at their best. The colors were complementary and timing was impeccable. These unsung heroes of the night definitely get my praise, whatever that’s worth.

I hear The Octopus Project is always a mind-blowing show to catch live, but try going to one without having ever heard their music, know their style, or have an inkling of what they’re all about. That’s exactly what I did this weekend. (Thank you Granada Theater for a completed show this time.)

I waited patiently for Ume, the opening act, to finish, and prepared myself to be blown away.

It was time. The band’s movie-score-esque, melodramatic instrumentals were melodic enough, but I wasn’t sure it was inducing the same effect I was promised. Three songs into the set, I was  more bewildered. Where’s the theremin I was prepared for? Wait. Where’s the girl in the band?! Oh yeah, that’s This Will Destroy You. Not Octopus Project. Two opening acts? Come on!

After all the bewilderment had passed, they were done and it was really time. A good-looking group decked out in casual ties, and yes, one girl in a cute dress came on stage. They enthusiastically thanked us for coming and went right into their performance. It was trip all right. The stage was flanked with two screens continually playing psychedelic video interpretations of their music. Each song was more mesmerizing than the previous. And whenever Yvonne played her theremin, I was indeed floored. They even challenged “Dallas dancers” to show them our stuff. I obliged with a rhythmic body sway.

The night ended with a serendipitous sighting of Josh and Yvonne on the side of the theater. Yep, I said hey.

Granada Theater and I recently commenced a relationship; and though it was young, it was full of promises. We planned of late nights, bodies embraced, souls intertwined, and hearts pulsating to my favorite artists. The first time we were together, our bodies swayed to Andrew Bird‘s voice. It was magic.

Last night, I giddily prepared for our second rendezvous. Granada promised me Crystal Castles and I couldn’t refuse. I dressed up, put on my dark eyelids, and braced myself for what I hoped to be a perfect threesome: Me, Alice, and Granada.

The line was long, but I didn’t mind. The wait lasted 2 hours, but I would’ve waited another 2. They announced the technical difficulties and delay, but I was not deterred. I just wanted to step inside, enjoy the music, and dance with my friends, Glowjangles and Deepupyourellum. We somehow finagled our way to the front doors, and anxiously waited to step inside. But alas, Granada broke my heart. It denied me, and sent me home with nothing more than a promise for a refund. No raincheck, no pity hug. A cold-hearted goodbye, and I was off.

As I saunter off dejected, the question arises: Do I give Granada another chance for Fischerspooner?

UPDATE: Granada’s Story and VEGA’s Story (Opening Act)

UPDATE (4.16.09): In addition to a full refund, Granada has offered a free ticket to a future show! I have to say, Granada sure knows how to treat a girl.

Andrew Bird, what can I say. He’s a real gem. It’s no surprise he was classically trained from the age of 4. But violin aside, he’s a hell of a whistler too. I originally thought it was recorded and enhanced whistling, but after paying closer attention, I realized it was his own melodic production. How he manages to juggle multiple instruments to produce the sound he does is beyond me. He even makes playing the xylophone look like a professional art obtainable only through personal lessons with Debussy. Andrew Bird’s quirky stage presence definitely makes him the more loveable. Whether he’s collaborating with a band or going solo, I have to say, Andrew Bird makes my heart flutter.

The Granada Theater was a choice locale. The stage design personified Andrew Bird’s essence. The sound perfectly composed. And as crowded as it was, I still felt as though Andrew Bird was seranading to me personally. That could also be my own self-involvement though. Regardless. Good job, Dallas!