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“Every so often, you stumble upon a live show that makes you feel like you got hit by a thunderbolt, that’s the essence of Spirit Animal…” Said Wind-Up Records CEO Ed Vetri yesterday in his announcement of the act’s signing.  Having heard all of the masters and seen them performed live several times, I must agree…Thunderbolts!  Don’t miss this one, it’s special.

Not in NYC? Spirit Animal will be playing a few select shows in other major markets ahead of WWIV, their Oct 30th EP release.  You can catch them at The Roxy in LA supporting Say Lou Lou & Phoebe Ryan on September 24th and in DC on Oct 8th for All Things Gold showcase with Lewis Del Mar.

The Nashville, TN by way of South Africa four-man band’s video for “Holy Dove” hit this week, premiering on the indie-prestigious pages of Nylon. Directed by Daniel Gomes, a long-haired dancer moves fluidly and unassumingly in parallel to the band through the dark, deep and dank tunnels of a subway platform to the LACMA’s Urban Light installation. Of the story’s plot and theme, Civil Twilight notes, “’Holy Dove’ is that of seeing things from a completely unique perspective and seeing something that few others see. You may look crazy, but are you really? In this video, we are playing around with the idea of being possessed by freedom and being unafraid to express it in the world. It is not safe or popular or common, but it is liberating.”

Civil Twilight’s latest album, Story of An Immigrant, hits July 10th, and you know I’ve been doodling Steve’s name all over my notebook in anticipation.

They’ll be LIVE across our river at Bowery Ballroom July 22nd — come join for a night of whiskey drinks and dancing, and witness me falling deeper in love with the group’s intellectual and delicate rock — I’ll be the one in the front row, unable to wipe a stupid smile from my face. Full tour schedule after you press play.

July 12 at Radio 104.5 Block Party (with Nate Ruess and MS. MR.) in Philadelphia, PA
July 16 at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville, TN
July 21 at Jammin Java in Vienna, VA
July 22 at Bowery Ballroom in New York, NY
July 23 at LC Pavilion (with Cake, Matt & Kim, Bear Hands, and more) in Columbus, OH
July 24 at Upstate Concert Hall (with The Gaslight Antehm, Cake, Airborne Toxic Event, and more) in Clifton Park, NY
July 25 at Canalside Buffalo with WLKK (with Cold War Kids) in Buffalo, NY
July 27 at Rivoli (with Delta Rae) in Toronto, ON
July 28 at Grog Shop in Cleveland, OH
July 31 at Turf Club in Minneapolis, MN
August 1 at Shank Hall in Milwaukee, WI
August 3 at Slowdown (with Lord Huron) in Omaha, NE
August 6 at Black Sheep in Colorado Springs, CO
August 7 at Larimer Lounge in Denver, CO

Nothing more than a first look is needed to whole-heartedly know G e n e v i e v e is a star. She shines magnificently bright, controlling the room with her unique, effortlessly perfect sound and totally consuming stage presence. She is a poet — a true, soulful writer. Genevieve eloquently shares her stories through beautiful composition and with powerful engagement. If I were to wake up a musician, I’d hope to look in the mirror to see her reflection.

“Human Again” had a particularly deep, profound affect on me. Watching these words leave her lips live was transforming. It was like feeling love for the first time — I couldn’t look away and I never wanted it to end.

I used to be my father’s daughter
Everything I did was for attention
Like an undercover soldier,
Posing for a picture of perfection
Sleeping in so late that by the time I woke up,
The day had turned to night.

It feels like I’m almost human,
It feels like I’m almost back in my skin.

And then let this serve as a hint to her live show magic: