Laura Stevenson and The Cans stole the stage with vocal talent and adorable stage presence Sunday night. Stevenson’s dainty and dynamic voice coupled with the band’s strong power chords created an ear-pleasing product on the stage.  

Stevenson’s songs echoed beautifully throughout mid-sized Kings Barcade, which made for an intimate atmosphere. The audience’s faces reflected the pleasing sounds—they concentrated intently on Stevenson and the band (I even spotted some open mouths and glazed eyes). 

The band sounded absolutely wonderful. Stevenson’s voice wowed the crowd, effortlessly hitting high octave notes unknown to most live singers and reeling listeners in closer as she lowered her volume. The Cans, made up of a guitarist, bassist, accordionist/keyboardist and a drummer, supported Stevenson’s voice in the best way. The Cans were tight and on point, and it was obvious that each one of the musicians was feeling each note he or she was playing.

Smiling and joking with each other throughout the show, the band’s chemistry was on the stage. Its attitude conveyed to the audience that the band was doing what it loved. 

The range of songs spanned from all three of its albums. The band made sure to play its two most popular songs, including “The Healthy One” and “Master of Art.” Most of the crowd sang along with those two songs, which intensified the energy the venue already held. 

After Laura Stevenson and the Cans’ part of the show, Tim Kasher took the stage and Stevenson and her band mingled with the crowd. Ironically, most of the audience left after Laura Stevenson and the Cans even though they were only openers. 

Although Stevenson performed clean and powerfully, Kasher performed sloppily. He banged on his guitar and spoke—not sang—his songs. The instruments sounded out of tune, and it seemed as though Kasher was under the influence of something other than just alcohol. His banter was unclear and confusing, similar to how the music sounded. Some bands can pull off the “sounds horrible but still sounds cool” show, but I felt Kasher was not one of them. 

The overall experience of the show was a good one though. Laura Stevenson and the Cans cancelled out any downfalls with their overwhelmingly vibrant show. The only complaint that I would have with The Cans’ performance would be that it wasn’t longer than Kasher’s.