Show Review

You can’t walk past a news stand right now and not see Conor Oberst’s face on the cover of some magazine. Yes, this young Nebraskan is giving the "Brad and Jennifer split" a run for January covers.

And now that attention is spilling onto the stage, as calls from fans at a recent all ages show, many who were much older than Oberst’s 24 years, graced the rocker with calls of "Mr. Oberst." With the recent release of two new brilliant Bright Eyes albums, and earning accolades from Bruce Springsteen, the sudden respect is rightfully earned. Playing to a packed club on a frosty night in northern Vermont at Higher Ground, it became quite evident that it won’t be long before the Bright Eyes entourage moves from the clubs to the theaters.

In the beginning stages of a lengthy three-month tour that stretches from Toronto to Australia, Oberst and his band took the stage following openers Coco Rosie and Tilly and the Wall. Representing his forward thinking record label, Saddle Creek, and backed by a six-person band of relatively fresh faced musicians, Bright Eyes appeared as a band of "gifted kids." Despite his age, Oberst looks and acts the role of established leader, with the other musicians gently backing him up with their experimental country rock, most notably Mike Mogis on various instruments. With the capable Mogis, a guitarist, a couple keyboard players, trumpet player along with a cute female bass player, Bright Eyes isn’t your average t-shirt and jeans indie rock band.

The first three songs were buried in rich heartland country rock from the fresh release of the stellar album, I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning. As was the case, much of the show gave rich, full rendition versions of a majority of the new I’m Wide Awake material. Brighty Eye's recent electronic album brother, Digtial Ash in A Digital Urn will be played in a tour late this year.

Oberst earned one of the night’s largest hoots during "When The President Talks To God." with its bold political stance. Whether poking fun at friend Jim James or ignoring shouts from the crowd without flinching or falling prey to the taunts, Oberst commanded the stage with maturity and indie strength. Quivering, and screeched his way through the agonizing parts of his tunes or getting the crowd riled up in the most intense parts of his lyrical narratives, a Bright Eyes show strums up energy in the most unique spots.

During an acoustic encore of "Lua" without his band, Oberst stopped mid-song, singing "can I have my band please." Apparently people in the front row were singing along to the acoustic personal number, making Oberst remark, " I can’t sing when other people are singing, it’s too weird." Perhaps the weirdest part is that this talent is so young, that like Bob Dylan before him, making words come to life and being a "voice," there still lies a lifetime of music to be heard.