Kid Architect - Keys, guitar, bass and drums combine for an instant blast of nice loud progressive rock present immediately and throughout the set. The keyboardist could really play, as all of them for that matter, and he sang well. I get a Porcupine Tree feel with a touch of Dungen. Prog is reasonably hot these days and if you add good songwriting, spacey psyche touches, you have something. This Fairfax outfit does and I look forward to seeing them some more.
The Last Monarchs - A couple guys on guitar/vocals and drums and a couple women on cello, violin with vocals each. Folk rock is the genre here with a nice mix of instruments. Unfortunately, the first song was overloaded with cello and drums. Between soundman adjustments and the drummer adding a lighter touch, things improved as the set went on. A nice mix of happy/deep and folk/rock. Nice set. A couple of the songs stood out and the others were simple clean songs that still resonated well. Good set.
photo by asmith
Damon Moon & the Whispering Drifters - Five bearded backswoodmen from Georgia set up lots of effects for their two guitars, bass, keyboards and lap steel. They also have a drummer and there is some instrument shifting. I like their simple low lighting they brought in--nothing fancy, but it's a look not used enough. Very spacey psychodelia going on from note one to the last. Vocals in pretty much every song if I remember right, but they mostly help create the psyche ambiance. I enjoyed the sound a lot. I think the songs can be worked on a bit more with a bit more arranging. The swirling noise was great, but it seemed that there can be more done with the instruments on stage. For example, when I saw Spiritualized, my eyes were moving around constantly trying to see what everyone was playing to create the incredible psychedelic mix in my ears. Well, not every Velvet Lounge band is going to be Spiritualized, but it is something to strive for. Until then, Damon Moon and company is still a pretty cool night out.
Quote of the Night: "I want everyone to know that this is my tambourine debut" from Last Monarchs cellist who proceeded to use her off hand to hit the tambourine frame which is kind of the opposite way you should do it. Keep practicing.
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