5 Reasons To See The Last Bison

Are you ready to experience one the biggest bands that Caffe Mela has ever brought to Wenatchee? Or do you need some convincing?

Old-school isn’t enough to describe the sound of Virginian-based band The Last Bison; I’m thinking 19^th century old-school. I have to give props to KOHO radio for my discovery of The Last Bison. I first heard the band here, confusing front man Ben Hardesty’s vocals for the more well-known Mumford & Sons. I was pleasantly mistaken.

I thought I’d do you a favor and list a couple of reasons you want to see this band:

You need to see The Last Bison if:

1. You appreciate this new wave of hipster/folk music.

I highly recommend coming out and having a listen before they join the likes of folk powerhouses such as The Decemberists, Fleet Foxes, and Mumford & Sons — bands The Last Bison are so often compared to. Mela has done an excellent job of hunting down Northwest talent that are on their way to the top. Now, they’re bringing in the big guns. They will definitely not disappoint.

2. You are a Rachael Ray fan.

Yeah, we all know Rachael Ray has excellent taste in delectables, but who knew she was so ahead of the game in terms of musical geniuses? At the recent South by Southwest music festival in Austin, TX, Ray hosted The Last Bison. The band easily kept concertgoers engaged into the early hours of the morning. Well done, Rachael Ray, well done.

3. You prefer REAL instruments.

So synthesizers aren’t your thing? No problem! The Last Bison is as real as it gets. According to their website, the band plays on a 75-year-old chaplain’s pump organ and uses Bolivian goat toenails on stage. Some more familiar instruments include a stand-up bass, two xylophones, violins, and a mandolin. But honestly, if a band takes the time to haul around that many instruments, you know it’s gonna be good.

4. You like M83’s “Midnight City”.

A lot of times, it’s hard for a band covering a song to outdo the original. Well… The Last Bison killed it. They take a folksy twist to the popular song and it’s beautiful. I’d recommend a listen:

So, why not? It’s cheap, it’s close and finals are OVER. It’s time to treat yourself. You won’t regret it.

If that’s not enough convincing, I suppose there is more pull to come see this amazing act. (FYI, this is for the ladies)

5. You like facial hair.

Oh hello there…

– By Elisabeth Miller