Last night the new Speaker Speaker side-project, Exohxo, played their first show ever. It was the most polite show I’ve ever seen at the Comet. The crowd was mostly silent while the band played—even the folks in the back. And everyone kept their distance, opting instead to stand back by the bar or sit in a half circle around them in the chairs and benches.

It was cute—it was like a school assembly for the local music scene. At the end of every song, everyone clapped and cheered supportively. They were clearly among friends.

Their debut performance wasn’t flawless, but it was as promising and charming as any first show should be for a band that has existed only about two months and has had only a couple weeks to practice with some of the members. (And with seven members total—two guitars, drums, bass, piano, and two violinists—there was surely a lot of material to tackle.)

They opened the show with “Crushed Ice,” an instrumental and one of my favorite songs the band has recorded so far (listen to it on their MySpace). It begins with a repetitive, guitar, some bass, but eventually explodes into a vibrant chorus of strings, tambourine, piano, and drums. And it was every bit as electrifying live as I hoped it would be.

The less orchestral songs—the ones with more pop elements and lots of harmonizing between singers Jasen Samford and Danny Oleson—didn't come off quite as strongly, but that isn't to say they weren't good. It's difficult to get a proper mix for such a band at the Comet (I'd imagine), so some of the harmonies were lost, overpowered by the piano and strings. (Then again, the only reason I may have noticed at all is because I had listened to the songs before going to the show so I knew what was intended.)

In all, I left wanting more—I left imagining them playing a venue like the Paramount or the Triple Door—a venue that would give the symphonic moments room to soar, but with enough intimacy to see the grins on their faces as they glance at one another during their set. After finally seeing it come together live, I'm even more excited about their future.

Exohxo play their next show at Chop Suey on February 17th. Welcome to the music scene, boys (and girl). It's nice to see you.

All photos by Mr. Matt Fuckin' Hickey. I thank you, sir, as always.