Indie-folk band played a strong set at the on Saturday. Because the band members bring such a high level of musicianship to their subdued songs, they instantly hypnotized the crowd with their folky ebb and flow. As relaxed and effortless as the band sounds in the studio, I was surprised to find their live show brimming with energy.
Maybe it was seeing the many mid-song instrument switches, or perhaps it was just witnessing singer Justin Ringle flirt with a full throated roar only to reign his voice back in to a whisper. Their sound depends heavily on quiet moments and frequent dynamic changes. This makes the live versions of their songs really shine compared to only hearing them through stereo speakers. They embellished their holds and pauses and pushed the top limit of their controlled crescendos. The only thing that marred their flawless performance was the competition of the set’s often hushed volume with the unreasonably rowdy bar-half of the club.
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A few of Horse Feathers’ impressive technical feats included drum/banjo/violin player Sam Cooper holding a mallet in his mouth that waited for the occasional cymbal crash while he either bowed supporting string melodies or plucked a frantic banjo riff. Violinist Nathan Crockett and cellist Catherine Odell also provided amazing feats of instrument switching, although Crockett drew far more attention by brandishing long hand saws from which he coaxed haunting tones. The band has been filling their late 2010 tour with material from its latest effort, “Thistled Spring,” which helps facilitate the fuller complement of instrumentation.
The stand out of the night for me was Horse Feathers’ encore that featured their recent Nirvana homage. Their version of “Drain You” was enchanting and sweet. It left an impression on me that I’m not sure would have come from just hearing it through headphones.
Y La Bamba was a delightful surprise. Their opening set was thrilling and fun. Every bit as multi-instrumentalist as Horse Feathers, Y La Bamba played inspired tunes led fiercely by the disarming Luz Elena Mendoza. Their diversely influenced folk includes elements of Mexican, Gypsy and American traditions while maintaining a singular voice as unique and arresting and Mendoza’s. Even though the seven-piece barely fit on the stage, they managed to gracefully own the space with fantastic music.
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Marc Hobelman makes websites at The Denver Post, , and is a regular contributor to Reverb.
Geoff Cerilli is a Denver photographer and new contributor to Reverb.
