Last week, experimental indie rock band Cloud Cult graced the stage of Seattle’s gorgeous Neptune Theater for a breathtaking set that boasted acoustic and visual superiority. Kicking off the evening were the five members of Canadian folk band The Wilderness of Manitoba. Their alluring, acoustic folk sound consists of many four-part harmonies and a barrage of instruments including a banjo, ukulele, and Tibetan singing bowl. One of their last songs, “November,” brought the Cloud Cult brass players — Shawn Neary and Sarah Elhardt — onstage, making for a big, swelling sound perfect for introducing Cloud Cult.

Boasting a range of musical effects, Cloud Cult’s sound blends a harmonious mix of vocals with string and horn instruments and rhythmic drums. In addition to their acoustic appeal, Cloud Cult is an outstanding performance band, which they established with their opening song, which featured all seven members huddled around a drum, pounding rhythms together in front of a dark blue backdrop. As the first song began to flow, a painter took his place in front of an easel on stage, throwing paint onto a blank canvas and crafting a portrait of a woman throughout the duration of the show. With the dramatic energy of the band and the perfectly complementing live art on stage, it was impossible to divert one’s attention elsewhere.

The packed audience filled the venue and sang and swayed along with Cloud Cult’s every song. Frontman Craig Minowa was all smiles throughout the evening, especially after the deafening crowd response when he admitted Seattle was one of the band’s favorite cities to play.