OXBEAUX 2017: A Prex Claires Kick Off At The Oxbow Hotel Featuring The Shouting Matches and More
Last night the town of Eau Claire got ready for the third annual Eaux Claires Festival (AKA TROIX) with four incredible bands, all performing in the parking lot of the new Oxbow Hotel. Kicking off the evening, EC’s very own trio Idle Empress took the stage promptly at 7:30 PM, playing a half hour set. Fronted by Laura Anderson, the band performed their hypnotizing indie tunes, Anderson’s haunting vocals striking the evening crowd. After a short stage change, Minneapolis’s DEM YUUT took the stage right around 8:20, the band’s frontman beginning to sing their opening song off stage. Their loop-heavy electronic-tinged indie music possessed traces of Sir Sly and The Neighbourhood influences, yet their songs all packed a refreshing and unique twist. Check them out next month on tour with Now, Now.
Taking us towards the end of the evening, Milwaukee’s own Field Report made their comeback on the Oxbow Hotel stage. Although the band mentioned it had been a while and they only recently started playing again after they’d been on hiatus, the four band members exuded a complete sense of comfort and ease playing together. Their performance had an air of effortlessness, yet it was still packed with passion and entranced the entire crowd. Closing out the night, The Shouting Matches graced the stage with one of their rare live performances. The legendary trio of Phil Cook, Brian Moen, and Justin Vernon became a foursome with musician Jill Heinke joining them onstage, and together they ended the evening in epic fashion. Although Cook and Vernon joked that they didn't practice much when they had to re-intro a song, their set had a magnetic, magical energy to it, similar to the vibes at Eaux Claires Festival. The crowd remained hooked and eager for more during The Shouting Matches 45 minute set, which acted as the perfect teaser for the weekend ahead.
Check out our photo galleries of each of the bands at the OXBEAUX event last night, then keep your eyes on all of ANCHR's socials this weekend for more coverage of TROIX.
