If you missed Friday’s Amble Down Showcase, my sympathies are with you. Not going to lie, you missed some of the best Midwestern indie/rock. The headliner, The Daredevil Christopher Wright, is an eclectic indie/folk trio from Eau Claire, Wisconsin that has been gathering much attention for the recent debut album, In deference to a broken back. And rightly so, because they are nothing short of amazing. They are unlike anything you have ever heard, guaranteed.

Daredevil, like their namesake, lives without rules and pushes traditional musical boundaries. They use complex rhythm sequences and intricately layered harmonies to create some of the most beautiful music imaginable.

All the band members play more than one instrument and more than one role. All three are classically trained vocalists and thus use their voices quite often to create varying musical textures. They even began their set with an a cappella piece. The trio also uses their instruments in unique ways, taking advantage of the entire instrument to create rare and exceptional sounds.

Not only is Daredevil’s music phenomenal, but their stage presence is remarkable. They truly engage their audience, encouraging audience participation throughout the evening, from clapping, to singing along, to shouting “blood!” – you had to be there – repeatedly throughout a song. The band is quirky and unique, and most importantly, down to earth, with their feet firmly on the ground, right beside their Amble Down Records family.

The Daredevil Christopher Wright was the highlight of Friday night’s show and is looking to be a highlight of 2009 artists. While they may have already “arrived” via Wisconsin, they are quickly moving up the food chain on a national level. Look for The Daredevil Christopher Wright to be acting in honor of their namesake and taking bigger risks and bigger jumps, experimenting all along the way.