Apple Orchard

Last night, I ventured to the Pilot Light without any sort of real expectation for the headlining band. Which, in most cases, leads to a few beers and an early night.

Hope For AGoldenSummer was one of the most enjoyable bands that I have seen live this month.

As per my usual routine, I spent the beginning of the night at Barleys and waited for a call from a "man on the inside" to let me know which act was on stage at the Pilot Light—and if the show would actually start at ten, or hold off until one. I knew it would be more towards the one-ish side when my friend Will's band, William & Jennifer, the second act of the night, didn't actually take the stage until almost midnight.

After William & Jennifer's set,, Hope For AGoldenSummer took the stage with guitars, a banjo, and a saw. The Pilot Light is always a haven for those who have a passionate relationship with PBR, and last night, the relationship was especially close. But once Hope For AGoldenSummer took the stage, the crowd became mostly silent. A reaction that was somewhat of a miracle.

The band had played the WDVX Blueplate Special earlier in the day and had been described to me as "laid back folk with a chick who plays the saw." While this explanation suits the group, it doesn't do justice to their blended harmonies and unique cover choices. In addition to covering "The Only Living Boy in New York," the group also performed a haunting cover of Aaliyah's, "Are You That Somebody" which even included an interpretation of the Timbaland rap.

I love shows that leave me surprised, and Hope For AGoldenSummer absolutely fulfilled my Monday desires.