Augustines - at Neumos - Seattle, WA

As anyone whose ever heard Augustines would expect, the band was write-home-about-it epic at Neumos this past Fridaynight. Riding high on the February 2nd release of Augustines, their sophomore album that's already winning critical acclaim, they absolutely beamed through their entire set.  Despite being based in Brooklyn, the trio lived in Seattle during summer 2013 to practice this very record, so this wasno   ordinary show, either. The sold-out venue was packed to the gills with fans and friends whom they frequently called out or pointed at throughout the show.

From soaring triumphantly through "Cruel City" to drawing silent reverence from the crowd during an acoustic "Now You Are Free," his gravely voice cemented the evening as unforgettable. Drummer Rob Allen, keyboardist and bass player Eric Sanderson, and McCarthy refused to rush through their songs and instead let the event play out with extra emotion and impact. McCarthy's grief-filled facial expressions, Sanderson's core-cutting piano chords, and Allen's take-it-out-on-the-drums delivery were simply stunning.  Yet for all the glimpses of their anguish, ninety percent of the night was spent with them bounding across the stage, looking utterly filled with glee.

Wrapping up the celebration with whiskey shots, the guys again expressed their gratitude for the crowd and all their supporters with clear authenticity. And man, was the feeling mutual.

Words // Photos by: AJ Dent