Last Wednesday, Thomas Dybdahl played a show at Chop Suey for an audience that should have been larger than it was. I had no idea who this guy was before Tuesday, but man this was a good show. When I heard that Thomas was from Norway, of course you think about everything that is going on IN Norway and I have to say, the talent this man possess blew me away. When I walked in, there was a band playing on the venue floor (which ended up being Kimo Muraki & Tiny Messengers, with an AWESOME stand up bass might I add) and that set the tone for the night, one of calamity and intrigue. It's not very often to hear bands of the folk genre playing at Chop Suey..

Aldea was the main support, hailing from Seattle and what stood out about them was how much their stage dynamic reminded me of The Hush Sound, with the male and female call-and-response type vocals. Toward the end of their set, they played what can really only be described as a 'folk breakdown', which blew my mind and immediately grabbed my attention. I did like them a whole lot more after they did that, because seriously, have you heard a folk breakdown before? Yeah I didn't think so. It was AWESOME.

Thomas Dybdahl's performance reminded me of Bon Iver, even down to his on-stage demeanor. This man has got talent, and passion for the music he creates. I was (secretly) hoping for an accent but I guess people from Norway don't have strong accents? Huge letdown, man. But regardless, I was impressed. Nicely done, Thomas. See you next time.

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