Show Review

This is a quick “review” or more correctly it is just a heads up to all you EP-ers out there. I saw Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s last Sunday (Oct. 5th) and it was simply amazing. This was my first time seeing the band live, despite various attempts made over the years since “The Dust Of Retreat” was released. After my last failed effort, I vowed to see the band the next time they were anywhere near my vicinity and I had pretty much been internet stalking the group the whole summer. When tour dates were posted I was there credit card in hand ready to drive 6 hours to LA if I had to.

To my (and the environment’s) great fortune a 12 hour loop would not being needed and Margot and the gang performed in San Fran at the Independent.

Upon entering the venue I felt an immediate connection with every other person in the small club. It was one of those moments when I thought “you know of them too, you are all good in my book”. The crowd wasn’t huge but for those of us in attendance we were bursting at the seams and ready to rock.

For those of you that have not seen this band perform I urge you to so. With 10 people all on stage at once every inch is covered with energy and movement in addition to musical appreciation. The band has perfected the skill of organized mass chaos. The kaleidoscope of sound that flows off the stage is mesmerizing. Every single band member contributes to every song. Even if their weapon of choice is not needed at that given moment, members will chime in with background vocals, shake a maraca or bang a tambourine, it takes a village indeed. The night was filled with mostly “new” stuff although a few songs were played off of “The Dust Of Retreat”. Various tracks that can be found on “The Daytrotter Sessions” were played often with a little pinch of something new. Either way, whether you are familiar with the song being played or not, the band displays such passion that even those trying to find the perfect time to use the bathroom are compelled to stay and hold it for another 4 or 5 minutes.

Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s performance is more than just a show, it is the quintessential musical EXPERIENCE. It is something to be viewed, heard, embraced and shared. You walk away knowing you have been part of something remarkable. And to fully channel my inner hippy, a band like this reminds even the most jaded music lover that the truth is still out there… at least until mid-November.

review by Heather Galbraith