Sunday Aug 17, 2008 (9pm)
Tonight's bill is so diverse that it might as well be called a variety show. One thing all three groups do share is a predilection for orchestral arrangements. Cotillion's moody folk pop swirls like a massive campfire song, revealing the backgrounds of their seven members, former and current musicians in the Botticellis, Bright Eyes, and Judgement Day. Geographer's lush synthesizer and cello produce gently rocking head nodders and Arcade Fire-style anthems intertwined with Mike Deni's ethereal voice. Judgement Day close the show with their distinctive brand of prog rock — the band is notable for its lack of guitars as well as its grandiose, classical-tinged melodies.
– Connie Hwong