Gallery Bon Iver

Being the opening band has its challenges natively, and as the sole introductory act to Bon Iver, in a theatrical setting with three audience tiers, it doesn't get much more dramatic than this. Thankfully for everyone, the performance by Other Lives couldn't have been more in tune with the audience at hand. The Oklahoma-based five piece steadily pushed through a 23 minute set, pulling listeners new to the band in a Fleet Foxes/The War On Drugs direction, but definitely not a cookie cutter of either, and distant enough from the live Bon Iver sound. Few ticket holders, if any, checked their watch during Other Lives' performance, which wasnt their first in San Diego (they performed at the Casbah in June.) Afterwards in the intermission, this writer overheard three different conversations that lavished praise on Other Lives, if that speaks anything. When they return again to San Diego, expect that many in attendence during both Friday and Saturday shows will seek them out.

Read Full Article: LIVE: Bon Iver, Other Lives at Spreckels Theatre