Amazing show last night for 10 bucks (?!?!)… ultra small venue and great crowd.

I have been looking forward to this show for a long time not only because I love The Dodos volatility and originality, but also because they have inspired me to fingerpick a lot in my spare time. Two days ago I FINALLY broke through the muscle/brain barrier and it’s making a lot more sense… basically your thumb has to grow its own brain and operate independently of your other fingers while playing.

With that victory fresh in my mind it was mind-blowing to see Meric Long just TOAST the fretboard. He plays in open tunings most of the time with lightning quick folky-but-aggressive hammer-ons and pull-offs coupled with bellowing low drone notes which pretty much eliminate the need for a bassist. Talking to him for a second after the show at the bar, he mentioned that he was getting a lot of static shocks walking around after the set; I suggested it might be the small fingerpicking magnetic field generated from flying on those strings so fast. Spastic drummer extraordinaire Logan Kroeber was right there as well and they both seemed very down to earth and chill, could tell they were amped but ready for their upcoming Outside Lands set this weekend in Golden Gate Park. I won’t be at the festival this year but if you have a chance to see these guys don’t miss it!