To the band and the crowd at the Hold Steady on Friday, that was the best vibe I've had at a show in a decade. The band threw it down, and the Halifax crowd picked it up and ran with it. I didn't expect much from either to be honest, and it turned out to be one of the best shows I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

After two years of dead crowds and a New Pornographers audience that was barely breathing, Friday's show smashed me in the face from the stage - and in glorious surround sound.

I learned that when the opportunity arises, Halifax crowds can rock world class.

Whooooooo! —Howling with Devil Hands