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Gruff Rhys
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So I went to go see Bright Eyes last night, as a birthday present from Jackman, and to my surprise, Conor was SOBER. Or at least seemed sober. It was kind of a relief actually, and I think it might have had something to do with him dating Maria Taylor of Azure Ray fame. She was also the drummer for this particular show, another thing I was surprised at. I think her backing vocals added a lot to the overall performance. It was good, mostly. There were a few songs I was disappointed at, specifically Lover I don't have to Love, which didn't fit in with this setlist at all, and was half-mumbled in the MIDDLE of the show. But they also played I think 3 new songs, all of which sounded good, along with a few rarities like Well Whiskey and Laura Laurent.
I was pleasantly surprised by the opening act! Gruff Rhys, who usually plays as part of South Wales's Super Furry Animals took the stage and entertained us through a number of songs. His use of a loop pedal was hilarious, looping fake bird sounds, 'artificial bagpipes', drum beats and breathing noises. I have to get my hands on his album.