Council of Lions is a three-piece ensemble of incredible.

They began practicing about a year ago (I think) and played an impromptu set at the now defunct house in Bellingham, WA, called Friendship City. I’ve seen them four times and each time I’ve noticed that they’ve shown steps up musicianship. Think of a metaphor having to do with walking upwards on a staircase. At this point I had not seen Council of Lions play since- I think- sometime in July when hey performed at the Wild Rose in Seattle.

This time they had gone on tour (last August) along the west coast at a few spaces and more recently had been playing different shows in the greater Seattle area. I feel like their experience may have been at more bars or legit spaces rather than house shows. Depending on the situation and how many people you know show up to those spaces- it’s a bit hard to feel comfortable. What’s important about house shows (such as this one) is that more friendly and at home feel. What I noticed was that this show at the New Crompton was full of friends but most of which had never seen Council of Lions perform. There were a few of us who have and know the band personally that were pumped as hell.

Because the room was filled with friends and good vibes (aside from the “Communist Faggots” remark), there was more of a positive influence to enjoy Council of Lions. More legit spaces sometimes reduce likelihood of providing that.

Council of Lions has a ridiculous charm and stage banter. There were quite a few times before and during their set that mom jokes were thrown at each other, referencing to Jenn’s handwriting for set lists, and other harassment of camaraderie . I don’t actually think it’s stage banter that they have in-between sets. It’s much more of making fun of each other in front of an audience. It made my heart warm… and nothing is more warm and friendly than making fun of your friends.

PS. Watch out for a Fleetwood Mac cover.