Sondre has proven again why he's the best to see live. His concert on 9/11 was perfect for his new album--low key and homey, with only his vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, and a few spare guitar strings. I was so surprised that it was a solo act since most of his new songs included an entire string orchestra providing the background. But, he made it work. In fact, he made it even better. I'm still reeling from girlish giddy-ness because of how adorable he is, on stage and off. I got a signature and an awkwardly posed picture to go down in the record books. Two bucks more and I would have sprung for that vinyl.
I loved "If Only," one of my favorite songs of the new album, which he said was about achieving some dreams and forgetting others. "I Guess It's Gonna Rain Today" was very sweet and poignant. I liked it on the album but I love it now that he performed it. Others from his new album were "Heartbeat Radio," "Like Lazenby," "Pioneers" (which I always thought was a throwaway song), "Easy to Persuade," and "Words and Music" (a little sappy for my taste). I wish he had performed "I Cannot Let You Go" because that a standout in my mind. Out of his other songs, his rendition of "Sleep on Needles" was most surprising. I had never paid too much attention to that song but he really ramped up the energy and the guitar strumming. He also performed (in his words) an epic version of "Two Way Monologue" and "My Hands are Shaking," which he broke a guitar string for both songs. He mostly stayed away from Phantom Punch, only playing a toned down version of "Say It All." As an encore, he sang "Modern Nature," arguably my favorite song of his to see live because he duets with the audience.
He was only on stage for roughly and hour and the time flew by so quickly. But, he was absolutely fabulous on the guitar. Back in 2007, he had his bandmates with him and I had no idea he was that good. It was so amazing to see how songs produced with six or seven instruments can be recreated using only one, and sometimes with a guitar string hanging off during the big solo. Compared to his 2007 concert, I definitely enjoyed the newer one better. However, during his older concert, I felt more connected to him during the concert. This could have been because Serena and I got to the 930 Club 10 minutes after he started and were standing next to the bathroom in the nosebleed balcony. If we were there at opening, I totally would have been that girl bouncing up and down right next to that stage...and would have got that set list too.So, to summarize--Sondre, I love you. Thank you, thank you for a concert that was even better the second time around.
