Megafaun
Fox Theater - Sep 24, 2009
review by nikkiroddy

To be honest, I had never heard of Megafaun before I saw them open for Bon Iver this past September. Minutes before they take the stage, I learn they are longtime friends and former band mates of Justin Vernon (a.k.a. Bon Iver), piquing my interest in what this folksy three-piece from Wisconsin have to offer.

Captivating the sold out crowd of over 2,000 at Oakland's new Fox Theater, Megafaun emerge as a powerful presence, fully developed in their soulful, back-porch folk sound. The show is incredible to say the least; with the most memorable highlights coming from the intermingling of band members throughout Megafaun's set.

Both Vernon and Noyce (guitarist from Bon Iver) join the band on stage for different songs, but always in a stand-in-the-back kind of way that makes their presence feel sincere and understated. And as a closer for Bon Iver's insanely good encore, the entire pack of Megafaun returns to the stage for a sing-along. All seven musicians gather around one microphone, and some have their arms on each other's shoulders as they soulfully croon the acoustic song. It leaves the audience mesmerized.

If there is any critique to be made about the band, it lies in their strong similarity to the harmony loving five-piece, Fleet Foxes, who seem to deliver more consistent and catchy songs. It's also hard to imagine what seeing Megafaun on its own would be like, considering the powerful impact the interaction with Bon Iver had on this show.

But judging by the overall quality of there performance, and a rating of 8.1 from Pitchfork for their second album, Gather, Form & Fly, the band is full of promise, and undoubtedly big things will come. Catch them if you can.

posted Nov 22, 2009
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