Following the thunderous applause for the talented Nick Posthumus and The Soft Maybes, Brother Elsey took the Rainbow stage by storm exuding a completely electric energy right from the get-go. Brother Elsey, a band of brothers from Detroit, is the perfect example of a rare kind of harmony – one that seems to be displayed only by musicians with the deepest of bonds. There was a tangible sense of comradery between the men on stage, and you could feel the intertwined respect for one another and well as passion for each of their own crafts. Lead singer Brady warmly and humorously had the audience repeat after him as he introduced each member of the band by name. He then went on to explain that this was only Brother Elsey’s second time in Ottawa, and jokingly commented that Canadians are an unexpectedly rowdy crowd. The high-energy set started off with a bang as the band performed a fan favourite ‘Take A Chance on You’, followed by ‘Babylon’, and ‘Passing Through’. Brother Elsey paused momentarily to each raise up a shot, which the audience responded with by yelling “cheers!” and raising their own glasses. The band wrapped up the night with originals ‘My Brother’, ‘Dreamer’ and ‘Fast Train’ – which had everyone cheering and dancing around. It was no surprise when they immediately got called back to perform an encore. Whether you like folk, alternative rock or country – these guys excel at it all.