Last night [Jan. 19] in New York City, Bowery Ballroom was electrified by the non-stop energy and powerhouse vocals of Anthony Green and The Dear Hunter. If anybody else had the pleasure of seeing these two perform not only live, but back-to-back, I hope you can join me in saying how truly mind-blowing the experience was. How mind-blowing? Well, we had to compose a list -- in no particular order -- as well as a playlist featuring songs from both acts, just to start chipping away at it. Check them out, and be advised that this tour has only just begun. 

1. Holy vocals Casey Crescenzo!: If you're familiar with The Dear Hunter at all, then you're already familiar with frontman Crescenzo's dynamic vocal range and ability. With his husky, raw tone and rare ability to create a warm, yet soaring sound, his voice flooded through Bowery leaving the audience incapable of any reaction other than pure awe. The best examples -- set openers "Fall and Flee" and "The Church and The Dime," and the gorgeous "Red Hands."

2. The Dear Hunter spans all genres: Seriously, though. There's something for everyone in TDH's setlist -- folk, rock, punk, pop, bluegrass, experimental -- and all performed with the utmost finesse. Crescenzo jumps from instrument to instrument, while his backing band plays the hell out of their respective instruments. It's as though each song acts as a separate act within itself, yet the whole thing plays cohesive from start to finish. 

3. Anthony Green knows how to put on a show: Green's energy alone was palpable enough to run the venue's entire electric circuit, not to mention his ability to dominate a room with distinct vocals and huge personality. With a setlist featuring a mix of both Avalon and Beautiful Things, his ability to tell a story through performance, and his enlisting of Good Old War [also on tour with the two] as a backup band, your chances of sitting still through a song are slim to none.

4.  Green's songs are even better live: These songs just seem to come to life when seen live. It's one thing to hear Green's passion on the albums, and another to see that passion played out. He opened his set with the always wonderful "She Loves Me So," brought the crowd to life with "Get Yours While You Can," executed brilliant harmonies with the help of Good Old War, and all but hit you with a truckload of happiness with encore act "Dear Child [I've Been Trying To Reach You.]"

5. They love their fans: Casey Crescenzo was full of thanks for his fans between songs, and was excited to encourage them to join him on May 9, when TDH plan to play The Color Spectrum from start to finish. Anthony Green inspired audience sing-alongs, pulled a fan from the crowd to come on stage, and generally encouraged an all-night dance party from start to finish. These guys are a blast and they love you -- what more could you hope for?