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Concert Wed Oct 15 2014
Photos/Review: Rural Alberta Advantage @ Cabaret Metro 10-14-14
It's no surprise that three piece Canadian trio Rural Alberta Advantage keep playing larger venues. The packed Tuesday night crowd huddled in the rain to gladly see one of their favorite bands again play for a near 90 minute long set. The band's live performance only grows more heightened with a sense of the songs coming into their own greatness with lead singer Nils Edenloff's ability to project his voice even in more expansive spaces increasingly apparent.
It's no surprise that with three people this genuine and talented, they could continue to put out heart felt worthwhile albums, either. Their third full length release, Mended with Gold shows the kind of consistency that make Edenloff's sometimes anguished lyrics filled with an honest poetry rich with life's experiences. They are the kind of words that make audiences rush to memorize them so that they can be sung along at live shows.
In turn, it's not really unexpected that as a band together they would grow in a way that demonstrates enhanced timing and a sense of understanding each other spatially and musically. And, unlike many bands, Rural Alberta Advantage don't ignore any of their back catalog even with a new album out. These stories and musical memories are brought out time and time again to reward the fans that cherish them, which makes it even easier to welcome the new experiences in.
What is, in fact, surprising is that even though they are playing bigger rooms, the band still makes an effort to connect with their audience as they used to when they played Schubas and Lincoln Hall. It has become one of their trademarks to join the audience and sing "Good Night" with a wistfulness and reverie that is to be cherished and celebrated. And, though the Metro is larger than their previous venues, they still ended their set by playing this in the middle of the floor. It's not merely the same as when a band touches their audience's hands. This is actually joining us and meeting us as one of us and to be this close to greatness is an unforgettable experience indeed.