Song Preservation Society - Bold name from this LA based trio, but after a 39 minute set, they lived up to it well enough. I will give them even more credit for preserving the art of three part harmonies, especially as intricate vocal work is harder to come by in clubs during this century. They also employ three acoustic guitars and opt for a mandolin on a couple of songs. The players have more of a rock style as there are only brief moments of finger style, while there is frequent riffing and plenty of acoustic solos. They have some intricacies in the arrangements, but it mostly a pleasant backdrop to allow their singing to shine more brightly. They remind me some of Foley & Kavanaugh with a a bit of early Magna Carta... or much more simply, they walk the path of Simon & Garfunkel.
Beach Day - Not only is this Hollywood, Florida trio more geographically beach oriented than local band Beach Week or the highly popular Baltimore duo, Beach House, but they also have the best beach sound (with a nod to Beach Week who also has a sound that fits on a beach). This is Shonen Knife style pop music that goes deep into the fun filled 1960s while adding some power to the pop. The guitarist sings in a cute pop voice with just enough blues in there, ala Cyndi Lauper perhaps. At times, they even sound like the NY Dolls at their poppiest, although Nancy Sinatra and Annitte Funicello may come to mind more often. The guitarist looks a bit like the Alley Cats' Dianne Chai and that band is actually not too bad a comparison as the energetic pop component is similar here. It is hard not to take pleasure in this music. The band has the right idea. I think they can add a little oomph to their music, but that should come if they stay at it and keep gigging. I think a lot of bands would have a great time having them on their bill, as would the audience.
The Blank Tapes - This LA trio's set up is guitar/ lead vocals, bass/vocals, and standup drums/female vocals. There, that covers the basics. From the first note on, these three conjure up some highly individual, twisted pop music. Although they are not psychedelic folk, per se, their vocal work conjures up the likes of Tony, Caro & John or Cy, Maria & Robert. I also hear elements of Oriental Sunshine in their voices and music, which I doubt I have ever said before. They play pop music that rocks out at times, but it is so breezy and relaxed, you sometimes wonder how they dreamed this up (or how other bands failed to dream this up?). But keep listening, and smart music fans will sense that this band has a rare magic at work. They manage to make the simple feel so complex to those of us that have heard it all before. I am not sure I can recommend this to everyone on my Christmas Card list, but they probably can pull some of the most unique music fans from various corners of the sonic spectrum as anyone I have seen lately. The small-to-moderate crowd tonight seemed to pick up the vibe well enough. I hope more people challenge themselves and delve in to the Blank Tapes peculiar, yet inviting sound. It was a profound reward for me tonight.
Video and photo links to the past...
Beach Day...
Alley Cats...
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