The Mountain Goats/Final Fantasy @ Bell House

December 7, 2009 - Brooklyn, NY

by Amanda Hatfield

The Mountain Goats @ Bell House - Brooklyn, NY - December 2, 2009 - Photos by Amanda Hatfield

The Mountain Goats and Final Fantasy ended their tour together on December 2 at Brooklyn's Bell House, which is one of the loveliest rooms around to see live music in: small, intimate, and wider than it is long, so there isn't a bad view in the house. Owen Pallett, aka Final Fantasy, had injured his index finger the night before, and wasn't able to play his violin. A crippling blow to a musician for whom violin is his primary instrument, but Owen didn't let that stop him. Instead, we were treated to a short but sweet set of looped piano songs. Slightly awkward but nonetheless impressive, especially considering the last minute nature of the arrangement.

Then John Darnielle ran barefoot onto the stage, threw high fives at the whole front row, and grinning widely, proceeded to bring the house down. The crowd was riveted, cheering and singing along, and at times Darnielle even stepped away from the mic to let our collective raised voices drive the choruses on crowd pleasers like "No Children". The real highlight of the evening for me was when Owen Pallett joined Darnielle and band for "This Year". Everyone in the room, band members and audience alike, shouted along as one, "I am gonna make it through this year if it kills me!" I felt goosebumps raise on my arms and a swell of emotion surge through my chest. Altogether an incredibly special evening from two fantastic bands. ~ Amanda Hatfield

Click here for more photos!

Final Fantasy








The Mountain Goats