By Elizabeth Walker | August 22nd, 2012
It’s performances like last Friday’s Twin Shadow acoustic set that make me humbled just to be alive.
Twin Shadow is currently touring in the US, stopping in S.F. for two shows on 8/16-17. Me, well, let’s just say I may have procrastinated about getting tickets before they sold out. A thoughtful tip from an out of town friend led me to a post their Tumblr for a chance to attend an intimate, free acoustic show before the full show. Sign up and win, I did, and am here to share a most amazing experience with you all.
Gingerly shoving away the mike for “a more intimate feel,” the small group sat gathered beneath the glow of the uber hip, dangerously handsome Twin Shadow, aka George Lewis Jr. The small, off-the-grid warehouse space filled with eager silence as Lewis tuned his guitar. “This is the first time I’ve performed without reverb,” he mused, readying himself for the impromptu experience.
Starting off with “Run My Heart,” it was goosebumps abound for the entirety of the five track set. The well of depth which materialized as the music realized itself was palpable, entangling with the reverence from the audience. Vastly different from the released version, this acoustic version was everything you’d want – raw, exposed, and infinitely moving.
Lewis ended with a devilishly captivating rendition of “Castles In The Snow” much to our delight. To capitalize on the unique experience, he coquettishly requested the audience help end the song by singing the chorus not once, but twice, by the popular request of The SUB’s Johnny Hwin. Although the set was just 30 minutes, I’m going to speak for the attendees and say it was a truly unique and memorable experience for us all.
To connect with The SUB for their latest haps, like their Facebook page here. You can also check out my *extremely* amateur iPhone video of “Run My Heart” from the performance here.