Story & Photos by Will Kanellos
In the minutes before Built to Spill came on stage Friday night, people continued to pour into WOW Hall while people in front grew antsy. After an opening set by La Fleur, the crowd anxiously awaited Doug Martsch and the other members of Built to Spill to appear. With help from a large friend, I managed to maneuver to the front of the crowd and get right in front of the lead microphone. After a quick survey of the people around me, I noticed the immense age gap among the fans. To my right stood a group of men, probably in their early forties, chatting about other Built to Spill shows they’d attended. To my left was a group of boys who were still being fed mashed carrots and peas when Martsch was releasing the band’s second album. After an intermission that felt far too long, Built to Spill took the stage.
After the opening song, I immediately knew how this band has stood the test of time to become one of the most recognizable indie rock bands in the United States. The five-man group kept in perfect sync the entire show and had the sound precisely dialed so that every instrument is clearly heard.
All in WOW Hall were captivated from start to finish, thrashing and yelling along with upbeat songs or slowly swaying and nodding heads during slower songs. The band strummed the last chords of the last song and the audience erupted in applause. Even before they had completely walked off stage, the crowd screamed for an encore and stomped so hard the amps shook.
After several minutes, during which the volume never dropped from a full roar, Martsch appeared on stage alone, surprising the audience with an acoustic solo after which the rest of the band reappeared. Built to Spill played two more songs to finish the almost two hour longs set. One of the songs included a 10 to 15-minute instrumental displaying each of the three guitarists incredible talent. After thanking WOW for hosting, La Fleur for opening, and everybody for coming, Built To Spill walked off stage to the applause of one of the happiest crowds I have ever been a part of.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Audience Can’t Get Enough of ‘Spill’