By Stacey Aspinall
On June 5, Lowlands performed a show at eBar, along with Alanna Gurr & The Greatest State and Green & Gold. The show was presented by Fortnight Music.
Though the downtown core can sometimes see a lull during summertime, as the student population diminishes, the show drew a full crowd eager for a chance to see some of Guelph’s finest local acts, along with Green and Gold, hailing from St. John’s, Newfoundland. First up on stage, their indie-pop set provided a great energy to kick off the night.
Alanna Gurr & the Greatest State played contemplative and melodic indie-folk. Gurr’s voice is both sweet and passionate, providing an understated sort of strength behind each song as she mused on love, loneliness, and heartache. The band’s most recent album, Late at Night, was released in April 2014 through local label Missed Connections Records.
Lowlands, a local favourite, delivered folksy rock with bluegrass and country music roots, with a more pared-down aesthetic for a refreshing take on the genre. Frontman Gordon Auld led with a confident and assured presence, and the audience moved in closer to the stage to enjoy the headliners to conclude a night of great music.