When a band desperately tries to make the move from “opener” to “headliner” on a bill—especially at bigger venues—it’s a giant momentum boost for the band. While there’s a lot to be said for supporting Dave Matthews Band or the Shins on certain tour dates, it still pales in comparison to knowing the bulk of fans are there to see you.

Touring far from home in support of Blind Pilot’s second album, We Are the Tide, the indie folk band stops in for an 8 p.m. show at Tralf Music Hall Monday to headline a bill with John Heart Jackie and River City Extension. Sure, it’s not a monster show for the Oregonians, but it’s another step toward prominence. Tickets for the 18+ show cost $15 in advance and $17 day of show. 

The robust six-piece band has already sold out tonight’s Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, a testament to the popularity of Blind Pilot’s second album. We Are the Tide debuted at No. 56 on the Billboard Top 100 chart, No. 22 on Overall Digital Albums and even earned space on NPR’s “First Listen” segment. An appearance on the “Late Show with David Letterman” didn’t hurt the band’s cause, either.

Here’s what founding member Israel Nebeker had to say about the sophomore effort:

Fortunately, the creative process has a way of obliterating your expectations, and while we had a plan for each song, eventually the songs told us the way they needed to be. We learned a whole lot in the process and when I listen to the album now, I hear all these good surprises we didn’t know were going to be on there.

(Header photo from BlindPilot.com).