Fruit Bats // Commodore Ballroom

There’s something about Fruit Bats that makes you feel nostalgic for simpler times. On Sunday, October 11th, Eric Johnson and company brought their signature blend of indie folk and bittersweet storytelling to Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom. The band’s music made for the perfect soundtrack to a rainy fall evening on the west coast.

It’s been over four years since we last caught Fruit Bats at the Hollywood Theatre, and while plenty has changed since then, one thing certainly hasn’t: Eric Johnson knows how to write a damn good song.

For those unfamiliar, Fruit Bats have been around the indie folk scene for over two decades, with Johnson remaining the band’s creative constant and “various musicians joining the band in live and studio settings.” Their sound sits somewhere between folk and indie rock; think road trips through the Pacific Northwest, old friends, and that slightly melancholy feeling you get when summer finally gives way to fall.

Opening with “That Goddamn Sun,” the band set the tone for an evening that would move effortlessly between old favourites and newer material. “Think Aboutcha” and “Rushin’ River Valley” followed, showcasing Johnson’s knack for making deceptively simple melodies feel incredibly rich.

Things really started to pick up with “When U Love Somebody,” one of those songs that reminds you why Fruit Bats have maintained such a loyal following over the years. It’s one of those songs that is catchy without trying too hard, and practically impossible not to sway along to.

From there, the band rolled into “Cazadera” and “Rainbow Sign,” continuing a set that pulled from different corners of their 20+ year catalogue. Johnson‘s distinctive vocals were front and centre throughout, carrying that familiar combination of sweetness and melancholy that has become the Fruit Bats staple.

One of the things that makes Fruit Bats such an enjoyable live act is how naturally their songs translate to the stage. There’s no need for elaborate production or over-the-top theatrics, the music does the heavy lifting, and the band’s easygoing approach allows the songwriting to shine.

“The Saddest Part of the Song” and “Mandy from Mohawk (Wherever You May Be)” leaned into the more reflective side of the Fruit Bats catalogue, offering a nice contrast to the brighter, more upbeat moments earlier in the evening.

And that’s really the magic of Fruit Bats. They can make a song sound cheerful while quietly breaking your heart with the lyrics. It’s a trick Johnson has been pulling off for years, and one that somehow works even better live.

Then came “Humbug Mountain Song.” Arguably one of the band’s most beloved tracks (and a 987 favourite), it was a fitting way to close out the main performance. The song has everything that makes Fruit Bats great: an infectious melody with heartfelt lyrics. It’s the kind of tune that sticks in your head long after you’ve left the venue.

Returning for a three-song encore, Fruit Bats kicked things off with “You’re Too Weird,” followed by “Hummingbird Sage,” before wrapping up the night with “A Lingering Love.”

It was an appropriate ending for a band whose music so often deals with memories, relationships, and the passage of time. Rather than going out with some massive rock-and-roll finale, Fruit Bats closed with the kind of thoughtful songwriting that has defined their career.

Looking back at our review of their 2022 Hollywood Theatre show, we described Fruit Bats as the perfect band to welcome live music back to Vancouver after a long absence. Four years later, they’ve reminded us why we were so happy to have them back in the first place.

9.87/10

Review + Photos: Mikhail Din