Kovacs and the Polar Bear are having a hell of a year. In a matter of months, the band has become one of Asheville’s most beloved acts, and with good reason. Its rich harmonies, catchy hooks and delicately-balanced marriage of Appalachian folk and indie rock are downright irresistible. But there’s more to the band’s appeal: Kovacs is blessed with that rare, intangible element that transcends talent or practice and separates the good from the great. It’s something you’ve got or you don’t, a quality that can’t be won or conquered. And it’s all over this band.
Tonight, Kovacs celebrates the release of its sophomore effort, Second Sister, with a headlining performance at The Grey Eagle. Read more about the band and the making of Second Sister here.
Xpress caught up with Kovacs downtown for a preview of the performance. Amplified by the rich acoustics in the lobby of The Flat Iron Building, the band served up a breathtaking performance of new material that illustrated just how powerful acoustic music can be.
Kovacs & the Polar Bear for My Side of the Mountain from Jesse Hamm on Vimeo.
Be sure to check back next week for more video from this session.
Great, great band. There a few Asheville bands on the scene right now, that I feel could “break” big at any minute and these guys are definitely one of them.