Harry and the Potters "I Am a Wizard" (13.4 MB) from Harry and the Potters Live at The University Book Store @ Hilldale Madison, WI July 9, 2006 PODCAST EXCLUSIVE!

In contrast to the Malfoys' somewhat ramshackle set, Harry and the Potters (featuring two Harry Potters and one Bill Weasley) put on something very much like a standard DIY rock set. Mostly in costume, they played from atop banquet hall chairs and a coffeetable to simulate the effect of a stage. They also got what I can only call a stunning response from the audience -- the crowd of predominantly middle school-looking kids seemed to be quite familiar with most of their material. Considering that this is a band that started when, a few years ago, two brothers made up a bunch of songs about Harry Potter to amuse their friends, I'm really impressed with what they've been able to build using the Internet for word-of-mouth.

I've also got to say that, stylistically, I love that they're playing untempered indie rock whose lyrics just happen to deal with a popular book & film series. It's a kind of music that most of their audience would otherwise not get to hear very readily -- it doesn't get played on the radio or even on TV that much. If some of the kids at this show find themselves graduating to local acts like the Super Eights or the German Art Students in a few years, this band will have done a tremendous service.