If I went back and counted, I’ve seen American Aquarium more than 50 times since the fall of 2007 — probably closer to 75. But as they spent more time on the road, and drew more and more fans in Raleigh, particularly, I’ve seen them fewer and fewer times every year. This is good, because it means that my boys are doing really, really well, and I’m stupid proud of them for that. But it is bad, because I miss them — it had been at least six months since I’d seen them, and they’d gone out and made a whole new record since then.

So seeing them at the 506 is always a pleasure, because it’s a fun set, a low-key crowd, and close to my house. I missed them. They sounded fantastic, which is what four years of 250 days a year touring will do to an already talented band.

Full set, including opener the Mike Roy Show, here.