Bonnie "Prince" Billy at Town Hall

In two rousing sets last night at Town Hall, Bonnie "Prince" Billy and the Cairo Gang ranged from post-punk shoutiness to tweaky Appalachian folk to plain ol' alt country. The group certainly plays to its strengths, namely the voice and showmanship of its frontman, who shook with joy during every song. 

Dressed in camouflage onesies, they played the first 75 minutes as the newly formed Babblers. Woe to those folks who arrived fashionably late; they missed covers of songs about killing cats and enjoying the sunshine as well as an outstanding version of "It Doesn't Really Matter." (Alas, our hopes of hearing this cover live --- the world's greatest, definitely --- went sadly unfulfilled.) After a short break, the same group came back, dressed in suits this time, which they gradually peeled off, even as the songs from the latest album got quieter and quieter.

Photo: thanks