Sylvan Esso at First Avenue

Sylvan Esso nearly sells out First Avenue

For their first headlining performance in Minneapolis, the electropop duo from North Carolina, Sylvan Esso, nearly sold out the mainroom at First Avenue. There was a definite buzz in the air from the start, as if everyone knew that they were going to see something new and special. The primary reason behind this may be the fact that Sylvan Esso stole the show when they last played in town at the end of July for 10 Thousands Sounds Festival. That performance put the band high on a pedestal locally, and the mostly 20-something crowd that packed the mainroom was ready for another round.

Sylvan Esso at First Avenue was great, however the show peaked about half-ways in, then trailed off slowly to a slight whimper by the final encore. As the band took the stage, singer Amelia Meath, seemingly surprised by the huge crowd, bowed and smiled appreciatively. Meath, adorned with gold stars above her eyes, was captivating, with slithering arms and gliding dance moves that made it difficult to look away. Her voice was pure, and she sounded wonderful, while Nick Sanborn produced and mixed sounds from his macbook with beating energy.

The highlight of the show came mid-set with the song “H.S.K.T.” The song not only had the crowd jumping like mad, but the stage was finally lit brilliantly, engulfing Amelia in a glow, as she danced hard while singing out the chorus “My head my shoulders knees and toes, they take me to where I want to go.” The singles “Coffee” and “Play It Right”, also from the duo’s self-titled debut album, sounded fantastic as well.

Much like Sylvan Esso’s music, the show pulsated rhythmically with peaks and valleys, and little middle ground in between. Just as the energy of one song would border on bliss, Sylvan Esso would hit the brakes on the next. Sometimes the hollowness in the valleys made it feel like Amelia Meath’s breath was whispering directly in your ear, and the peaks oftentimes left me wanting more. Sylvan Esso has a unique presence and are well worth seeing. With the enthusiastic crowd that nearly filled First Avenue on Wednesday night as proof, it should be little time before the duo returns to Minneapolis once again.

Sylvan Esso