3 Dec 2008 at The Tractor

Elliott Brood made their way down from Canada for another excellent set on Wednesday night at the Tractor, and let me tell you - these boys don't disappoint. While running a little later than their last show back in September, the delivery stayed the same: full of aching, raspy vocals; dusty front porches, huge guitars, and more charm than a truckload of farmhands comng over for dinner.

This band is talented, sweet, and get more sound out of fewer instruments than anyone else I've ever seen live. I looked up from my camera a few times during the set, wondering where the five big-body guitars were hiding - but it was just a combination of an acoustic, a banjo, and some mean effects pedals. Add two parts glittery Christmas lights, four parts smack-down percussion, and an excellent stage presence - and you've got the best weeknight late-late show I can remember since... well, since the last time they played.

Michael Vermillion, his band, and Zach Harjo rounded out a thoughtful, well-balanced bill.