Final Fantasy/Mountain Goats @ Henry Fonda Theater

November 18, 2009 - Los Angeles, CA

by Wei Shi

Final Fantasy @ Henry Fonda Theater - November 15, 2009 - Los Angeles, CA - Photos by Wei Shi

The Mountain Goats and Final Fantasy played to an enthusiastic crowd at The Music Box in Hollywood last Sunday. Final Fantasy opened the night and I am convinced that Owen Pallett is an amazing violin playing machine. When I first heard of Final Fantasy, I had my reservations about indulging in a band named after a video game. However, it took only one song to win me over. Pallett's velvety voice transforms from soothing to vaguely brooding in nature while his violin orchestrations sound effortlessly brilliant. It was a treat to catch him live since he layers songs together with loop pedals. It resembled watching a master chef combine ingredients together to create a final spectacular dish. Pallett kept the show laid back as he talked about how great LA was and joked about the public transportation.

Final Fantasy finished their set with "This is the Dream of Win and Regine," and then The Mountain Goats hit the stage with cheers from the audience. Frontman, John Darnielle, started the show from the piano and then moved to the center of the stage on guitar. People sang along and some even danced to the folk tunes. Pallett reappeared on stage to accompany some of the songs on violin.

The Mountain Goats released a bible based concept album last month called The Life of the World to Come. Final Fantasy's new album, Heartland, is due out in January next year. ~ Wei Shi

Click here for more photos!










Mountain Goats