Reverbfest ‘08
Saturday, October 4, Ballard was overtaken by Seattle Weekly’s Reverbfest. Venues all over town were hosting 65 different bands of various genres and the turnout was amazing! Of course in an event like this it’s impossible to see everyone, so I could only pick a few of the ones I wanted to see but stayed for their entire performances.
First off, at Salmon Bay Eagles (all ages), C-Leb and A-Bro, started things off with very stirring techno-rock/pop - entertaining as hell. Caleb has an awesome voice and really plays a mean harmonica, but Connie’s voice really blew me away. And, they are part of the line up for a Halloween show at the King Kat in case you still need a place to go on Halloween.
Over at Conor Byrne, Hazelwood Motel*, had a totally laid-back, sweet set for the 21+ crowd. This trio has fused their sounds into a cohesive, yummy amalgam of near-countrified pop - earnest without being one-bit cloying. The intensely private lyrics and haunting melodies stick with you long after the performance is over.
Then Hattie’s Hat hosted back-to-back acoustic sets of Herman Jolly*, who totally brought it with fabulous music and tantalizing lyrics sincere and straight from the heart and Ian Moore*, who’s rocking set included a 12-string and delicious words and melodies reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, made us happy we were there.
Back at Eagles, Mono in VCF, delivered a soulful performance & even though there were sound issues frustrating them - they gave us a great show as they always do, even including a quite a few new numbers.
Then over to Mr. Spot’s Chai House (aka “Mr. Chai’s Spot House”), Man Plus, totally rocked their indie electro-rock/pop all over the bloody floor. There was only a riser for the drummer and no stage so Jared kept jumping into the crowd and wrapping the mic cord around his neck. Nearly face-melting, but waaaay too much fun for that.
At the Sunset Tavern, Grayskul* got the folks all riled up and dancing with their groundbreaking hip hop verse & beats. Energy plus cutting edge bravado = kick ass shit. I danced at this show and I don’t even dance. Imagine that!
And lastly, also at the Sunset, The Moondoggies, played their witches brew of easy going, good times - which after many, many drinks reminded me of bands that were popular when I was in friggin’ high school. Damn, they even LOOK like bands did when I was in high school. Made me feel happy and sad at the same time.
Reverbfest was better than I thought it could be - thanks Seattle Weekly. Good job.
* CD reviews to come in the near future.
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