Of music, donuts and Vanderslice

Originally ran as an article for The College Times April 16, 2007.


DIY rocker promises new album at intimate performance

As a crowd gathered into Kilby Court in Salt Lake City last Monday night, no one could have predicted how the scheduled two-bill show was going to turn out. Everyone in attendance left with a renewed love for lo-fi indie veteran John Vanderslice, who came to town bringing St. Vincent with him.

St. Vincent, also known as multi-instrumentalist Annie Clark (The Polyphonic Spree, Sufjan Stevens tour band), opened the evening. Clark put together a set of stripped down, raw versions of her music, including the songs “Human Racing,” "Paris Is Burning" and “Marry Me.”

She dedicated “Marry Me,” the title track of her forthcoming album and debut on Beggar’s Banquet due out July 10, to John Vanderslice. The dedication seemed fitting as the choral lyric “Marry me John” needed no tweaking to make it fit the flattering gesture. Clark, who donned a vintage school uniform during her performance, surprised a majority of the gathering crowd, who seemed mostly unfamiliar with the artist.

Regardless, Clark gained instant fans with her stark, honest lyrics, sophisticated and sometimes sharp guitar, and her ability to put together an enchanting experience without the support of a band. St. Vincent’s sound seemed a good compliment — and introduction for — John Vanderslice. The DIY legend came to Salt Lake City this time around playing with long-time friend and drummer, Dave Douglas.

While Vanderslice commanded the show with his guitar and uncanny vocals, Douglas filled out the performance simultaneously commanding the drums, Moog Source (keys), Moog Taurus (bass pedals) and any additional sampling necessary for each song. Still touring on his last release, the two-year-old Pixel Revolt, Vanderslice promised a new release sometime this summer, which will be followed by a return visit during September.

Though sticking primarily to Pixel Revolt during the set, playing songs like “Exodus Damage,” “Angela” and “Dear Sarah Shu,” Vanderslice and Douglas ventured off supplementing a number of older songs — as well as a couple new tunes — including one called “White Dove.”

During the show Vanderslice captured the crowd with his good sense of humor and introduced everyone to some tour favorites, most notably a box of jelly-filled donuts which was passed around to the crowd and wittily dubbed the “Vanderslice Communion.”

There were also some “firsts” for a Vanderslice live performance, some planned and others accidental. One that was planned, but took an interesting turn, was a beautiful duet with Annie Clark that, due to microphone issues, turned into a completely acoustic masterpiece.

Other “firsts” included another guest, a fan named Jason, who responded to an e-mail soliciting guest vocalist for the show, taking over vocals for the song “Radiant with Terror.” It was kind of like a “Vanderslice Idol.” And an acoustic rendition of “Me and My 424” took place at the end of the night, featuring Vanderslice playing out in the middle of the floor with the crowd singing along at his direction.

The intimate setting and the connection Vanderslice established with the crowd turned another visit to Kilby Court into a one-of-a-kind experience. Mishaps became unique opportunities and everyone at the show was a part of the performance.