Mason Proper & The Mighty Narwhale

Date/Time: Thursday, June 29th, 2006 - 9:30pm
Location: Blind Pig, Ann Arbor, MI
Cover: 21+ $7, 18+ $10

The show Thursday night was amazing. The Mighty Narwhale opened the evening. Their set, beginning with 'Sergeant Excited Legs'. Afterward, Jon Pataky introduced Kyle Colter's song, 'Ghosts of the Great Lakes'. It was followed up by 'Night Lights', 'On The Abandonment of Seneca', and 'Rosie (I'm Taking You Out)' which was a dedication to Pataky's aunt, who was in the audience that night. They played a new song called 'Hearts are for Growing,' during which, Pataky forgot the words and had the crowd participate by creating their own. They finished their set with 'We Are Made of Aluminum', and lastly a song I'd never heard before. I was jamming and taking pictures through it all. I've seen a lot of growth and progression in their music since I last saw them, back in March opening for Tub Ring and ari.ari. at Skelletones in Grand Rapids. I noticed a fuller sound being presented over all.

Starling Electric played between the Mighty Narwhale and Mason Proper. Though it was not my kind of music (kind of Pink Floydian) I cannot help but promote that every single reader sets out and discovers new music that they enjoy. Personally, I went downstairs to shoot a couple games of pool during their set.

Mason Proper's set cannot be described as anything less than fun. By the end of their set I was dancing and trying to influence others to do the same. This strange blend of keys and experimental rock, that I believe most people would love to hear. I see really great things in their future. They ended their mind-blowing set with an encore from the audience. It was wonderful, and I intend to go to another show to get more coverage on this interesting band.

I noticed a couple difficulties during the entire show with the vocal volume, but the sound of the instruments was not compromised. After the show I handed out a couple cards for the Roving Festival Writer and both the Mighty Narwhale and Mason Proper are interested in doing interviews, so now I just have to run it past Rashon. Regardless, I'm excited. By far one of the best shows I've been to, if only because it drew a great crowd of people. Both The Mighty Narwhale and Mason Proper are fun to dance to, are very friendly, and feed energy to and from their audience.

The Mighty Narwhale:













Mason Proper: