It's been a while since Aidan Knight was last in Vancouver (I think the last show was in late '013 at the Rio Theatre). But hot off the release of his latest album Each Other, Aidan returned to a sold out Biltmore Cabaret.
Laura Sauvage opened the show, taking the stage alone with her electric guitar. The solo project of Les Hay Babies member Vivianne Roy, she was charming with an effortless stage presence, as she went through songs off her latest album Extraordinormal.
Sauvage weaved stories with her songs, occasionally telling the crowd what they were about; "Rubberskin" about an old friend who passed away and was... eaten by cats, and "You Think I'm Cruel" about a terrible first date with a guy who was maybe a little oblivious.
It was an enjoyable set, and I would like to see her again, especially with a full band backing her.
Thanks to the curfew, it wasn't long before Aidan Knight with his Friendly Friends took the stage. They started with "You Are Not Here", blending seamlessly into "The Arp" as the first chunk of the set focused on the new album Each Other.
Which Aidan joked about, promising there would be something for the people who had waited since the last show. Throughout the set he chatted and joked between songs, and even had such command over the crowd that everyone (for the most part) silenced when he requested it for the quieter songs; no easy feat, especially at the Biltmore.
The new tracks culminated with favourite off the new album, the slow-burning "What Light (Never Goes Dim)", as the band took a break and Aidan was alone to play the now-classic, joyful "Jasper" which had the entire sold out room singing along.
After a few more older ones, including the sombre "Altar Boys" and "The Master's Call", the main set ended with "You Will See The Good in Everyone" building to a furious swell, which would have been the perfect ending...
Except for the fact that Aidan was back out alone to perform one of the most soul-shattering songs, "Margaret Downe". It is one of my favourites, and as Knight belted out the sorrow and regret, I suspect there were more than a few tearful eyes. And finally, the rest of the band returned once more for another old favourite, "Knitting Something Nice", one again culminating in a blistering ending, leaving the crowd satisfied???
As I've seen Aidan Knight perform over the years, his shows have become more and more rich and layered, as his music as grown in scope. This has probably been the best I've seen him perform, and I hope it's not another couple years before he is back.
setlist
You Are Not Here
The Arp
Each Other
All Clear
The Funeral Singers
What Light (Never Goes Dim)
Jasper
Untitled
The Master's Call
Altar Boys
A Mirror
You Will See The Good In Everyone
(encore)
Margaret Downe
Knitting Something Nice For You
