BrightestYoungThings: Photos: Born Ruffians / Plants & Animals @ The Hotel

All photos by Emma McAlary

There was a mix up with the guest list and our reviewer didn't get in. I happened to be at the show, so I'm posting the pics and will give a quick run down from memory.

Plants and Animals took the stage to a room about half full. The sound was a mess for the first half of the set, Warren's normally gorgeous vocals were distorted and bass heavy. A few of their best tunes like Good Friend, which sound so lush and perfect on record, were a muddled mess.

The second half of the show started to shape up and there were a few magical moments. Nic proved to be quite the guitar hero and Matt tore it up on the drum kit, but as the band and sound got better the crowd got worse. During some of the quieter moments it seemed like the entire bar was talking at full volume at the same time. I think these guys could really shine on a headlining tour at IOTA, or a Birchmere show with additional backing musicians/vocalists (yes!), but tonight wasn't there night. Check out my interview with them here. Disappointing, but I still have faith.

Born Ruffians took the stage, their drummer on the right facing the other two. I'm a newcomer to this band, only recently getting into their full length and never hearing any of the older EP's and singles. I was looking forward to the performance though as I had heard good things about them. And they delivered. The sparse subtle arrangements on the album really came to life in the live setting.

Frontman Luke, looking a little like a young Dylan, was shy and awkward between songs, but confident and engaging otherwise. Bassist Mitch took over stage banter duties sporting a tight Rod Stewart tee. The crowd sang along enthusiastically and the band seemed taken aback "we had no idea we had such a following in DC" (whatevs, even when they played DC9 on a school night they packed it out-Svetlana). Their sound was crisp, energetic, and tight. I loved every minute of it.