Concert Diary: The World Fair and Siberian at Neumos, July 18

Barcelona headlined yesterday's Neumos show, but I didn't see them.

Instead, I came for the openers: This World Fair and Siberian.

First up was This World Fair at one-third its usual manpower. Chris Kalgren — A.K.A. vocalist, keyboardist, and guitarist-extraordinaire — put on a one-man show though the band's Facebook page indicates that a guitarist and drummer were expected to accompany him.

Kalgren still gave a strong performance, and by the middle of the set he was dripping sweat. A faithful Neumos security guard tried to give him a towel, but he just kept on.

It might have been his endearingly shaggy hair, or it might have been his skillful singer-songwriter/rock combo, but the teenage girls who lined the front of the stage were very territorial.

As an extra-special treat, Kalgren wrapped up the set to enthusiastic applause with his new song "Come Of Age."

Apparently trying to switch sets quickly, two sound guys dropped Kalgren's keyboard while trying to tote it off-stage. They made a hasty and clearly embarrassed exit after gathering up all the disconnected cords.

Despite mishaps, Siberian came on minutes later, their equipment already set up. Luckily, someone left the stage plot lying around so I, intrepid reporter that I am, took the liberty of taking it with me. Fans who couldn't come can now imagine the set more perfectly.

Set lists were passed around.

Bassist Zach Tillman requested Skittles from the crowd, and someone actually bought some, which were then shared among the band members.

Fans clearly appreciated the band's sense of humor, as shown by one comment on Siberian's MySpace: "SKITTLES!!! hahaha i was cracking up last night."

The set opened up with "Belgian Beer and Catholic Girls" off of their debut album "With Me," released in October 2007. Clearly they've been practicing, because it turned out to be one of those performances that makes you never want to listen to a CD ever again. Well maybe just between shows.

Siberian channels the Seattle-Indie-rock influence well, converting it gracefully into a seemingly impossible combination of placid passion.

Lead singer Finn Parnell adds a special gloss to the band's powerful drums and pulsating bass with his coolly enunciated vocals. They skillfully blend twangy guitar riffs reminiscent of Islands and soaring harmonies to make a compelling style all their own.







At one point during the night, drummer Aaron Benson played so furiously he broke a stick.

The coolest thing? At the end of the night, my brother's girlfriend told me, "They're my new favorite band."