Review: Friendship + Hour at AyurPrana Listening Room
On April 1, the world bid farewell to the legendary Michael Hurley, who played his final show at Asheville’s own AyurPrana Listening Room a day prior. I’ll probably always regret not being there for that historic night — but thankfully, I was in the same room on April 6, when Friendship channeled some of that Doc Snock magic with a heartfelt cover of his classic, “ The Tea Song.”
Maybe the Philly-based alt-country quartet has played that cover before, but it’s hard to imagine it ever landing with as much inspired tenderness as it did that evening. It was one of those rare, emotionally-charged moments that remind you exactly why live music matters.
Going into the show as a casual fan who’d only sampled a few tracks, I was quickly won over by the band’s rustic, no-frills brand of rock. It’s the kind of sound that would feel just as natural in a back lot with folks shotgunning PBR cans as it did in the inviting confines of the converted church. With members of MJ Lenderman’s backing band The Wind in attendance — including Friendship bassist Jon Samuels — it’s hard not to feel like the Philly crew is on the cusp of a breakout. Their upcoming album, Caveman Wakes Up, drops next month, and singer/songwriter Dan Wriggins seems poised to strike a chord with fans of Lenderman, Bill Callahan, and the late David Berman. One listen to the set highlight and single “All Over the World” should drive the point home.
The evening kicked off with a lovely set from fellow Philadelphians, Hour. The instrumental chamber-folk octet, featuring Friendship members Peter Gill and Michael Cormier-O’Leary, brought a serene, orchestral vibe that contrasted beautifully with the more rural leanings of the headliner. It was an unexpectedly perfect pairing for a laid-back Sunday night.
(Photos by Jonny Leather)
Friendship
Hour
