My Side of the Mountain, Vol. XIII: Kovacs and the Polar Bear

Posted on by Dane Smith

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.

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One thought on “My Side of the Mountain, Vol. XIII: Kovacs and the Polar Bear”

  1. Doug Sahm

    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.

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