Okay, so I’m a mother of one of the band members: I’m allowed to kvell. But I’m also a huge music listener (and pretty discerning one at that) and the band was AWESOME yesterday at the Cake Shop on Ludlow Street.

This rock and roll thing is so hit and miss. So many elements need to come together for a great gig. The band needs to be tight and in the mood. Then there’s the venue, the sound system, the audience, the playlist…

If one element is off it can make or break a gig AND make or break the audience’s response to the band.

Well, the stars were in alignment for Cool and Unusual yesterday. Props to the band for getting it just right. And the recent addition of Scout on vocals and guitar, and xylophone (see NW_DP) is a win win for everyone!!!

Scout brought down the house with a Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs cover, Cheating Hearts, and a Scout-original called “Division Street.” Henry earned cheers from the crowd for “Carolina Kids” an original (“Don’t complicate things, I like things nice and easy now…”), Jack was fabu on numerous songs, including “Odyssey,” which is becoming the band’s signature song. And Ian’s drumming keeps getting more and more incredible. During “Wake Up”, the Arcade Fire cover, the band invited friends on stage to join them on this rousing coming-of-age anthem.

Somethin’ filled up
my heart with nothin’,
someone told me not to cry.

But now that I’m older,
my heart’s colder,
and I can see that it’s a lie.

Children wake up,
hold your mistake up,
before they turn the summer into dust.

If the children don’t grow up,
our bodies get bigger but our hearts get torn up.
We’re just a million little god’s causin rain storms turnin’ every good thing to rust.

I guess we’ll just have to adjust.

With my lighnin’ bolts a glowin’
I can see where I am goin’ to be
when the reaper he reaches and touches my hand.

With my lighnin’ bolts a glowin’
I can see where I am goin’
With my lighnin’ bolts a glowin’
I can see where I am go-goin’

You better look out below!

-ARCADE FIRE