Thursday, November 1, 2018
Portland House of Music and Events, Portland, Maine
This was my fifth Mipso show. Libby Rodenbough, who plays fiddle and sings in Mipso, emailed me back in 2015 to invite me to their first-ever show in Maine at One Longfellow Square in Portland, and I’m so glad I went. I don’t think I’ve missed them in Portland since. They’re touring to support their brand new album, Edges Run. Dan really liked “Moonlight” from that album and has mentioned it a couple of times since the show. “People Change” is also from their new album and it’s so depressing, which is right up my alley. The lyrics– “I used to love you like the world would end. I used to love you like a child. The thing about people is that they change when they walk away.” Ugh. I love an honest lyric.
From left to right, Mipso is Libby Rodenbough, Wood Robinson, Joseph Terrell, Jacob Sharp, and Yan Westerlund.
Mipso has an Americana, bluegrassy vibe, and I love their heartfelt songs and tight harmonies. Jacob Sharp (mandolin), Wood Robinson (upright bass), Joseph Terrell (lead vocal and guitar), and Libby Rodenbough (fiddle) met at UNC Chapel Hill and have been a band for about five years, but they play together like it’s been longer. They added Yan Westerlund on drums in 2017, too, which has amplified their sound. The most important thing to me about Mipso’s music is that their lyrics are crystal clear and are at the forefront of their songs. For me, lyrics are the most compelling reason to fall in love with a song. I especially like “When I’m Gone” and “Down in the River.” They also circled one microphone to cover Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend.” It was perfect and Dan and I have watched the video more than once in the few days since the show.
If Mipso isn’t on your radar, you’re missing out. Mipso IS on SnugHouse and Maine Youth Rock Orchestra’s radar. I saw both Nikhil Dasgupta and Sam Kyzivat at the show, and they’ll be celebrating the release of SnugHouse’s new EP, Like Water, together on Friday night (November 9) at One Longfellow Square. I will definitely be there, and you should come check them out, too!
xo,
bree
whatbreesees 