Rockin' On Dad's Day!
I am glad the Blind Pilot show was moved to the Empyrean Coffee House for two reasons tonight. One because they have delicious hot chocolate and because of the environment in the "brick music cave." With the right band the white Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling create this whimsical feeling that you can only get there.
We caught a few songs from the Toy Garden and each time we see them we start to like them more and more. William Allen kills it. We are only this more excited to go to their CD Release Show this Saturday at the Empyrean Coffee House at 7pm! It should be fantastic, you don't want to miss out.
Wartime Blues are from Missoula, Montana. As they said when you repeat something five times like they do in advertising you won't forget it. It must be true because I haven't forgot their name or where they are from. When I say they, I mean the entire eight people in the band. They traveled in three cars over to Spokane to put on a wonderful set for us at the Empyrean. It is rare to see that many people on the tiny Empyrean stage, and the best part it is, is that it still sounded great! With handfuls of instruments, smiles, and emotions poured out into their music the entire set was fun to watch.
 I was telling Dale from RAWK how not to long ago I associated banjos, cello's, and violins as music for "old folks." Here we are today and these instruments are incorporated a lot of bands we see. I love how kids are bringing in all sorts of instruments to stand out and to create new genres of music in the scene.
Wartime Blues were so pleased to be playing with Blind Pilot, I think they were the best opening act for them. The two bands complimented each other like cream and sugar. Wartime Blues told us how they hand made their t-shirts with bleach, q-tips, and stencils. "You should be happy we are out of merch." I think it's cool that they took the time to make them DIY style, I was kind of bummed I couldn't at least see one. Next time! Wartime Blues didn't make me blue, their music was beautiful and serene. I hope Spokane gets the pleasure (along with us) to see them again. They are a nice little gem from Missoula, Montana.
Blind Pilot! They have done a lot since we last saw them in March. Together the group has this musical chemistry that creates a warmth. With their Western Wear and plethora of instruments they are able to create an indie acoustic melody of pop love. Their sound is elegantly soothing and perfectly on key, even when a string breaks or two.
Touring all over the country and playing many festivals including Sasquatch the band has seen a lot. They were telling us how they stopped at the most beautiful rest stop with lots of little ground squirrels, that would come up to your hands and you could feed them. Now the front man has a fever, but he is sure it is not from that.
 Towards the end of their set they played a song that I guess is played at weddings a lot. Which was cool but odd for the band because it is somewhat of a tragic song. It was funny right when he said that a couple in the front row had played the song at their wedding. Anyhow, the crowd slowly danced as they played "Three rounds and a sound." The title has a neat little story behind it because there is this ancient rule where as a new couple you need the round of a clock, the round of a wheel, the round of a spool, and for the sound a transition radio. I agree with the band and think that is somewhat odd but makes sense. Oh and yes you need a Blind Pilot CD.
The crowd knew their songs and it seemed like the whole room was very happy that they decided to come back through town. It was especially exciting to be there that night because it was the last night of their very long, very long, long tour. For being on tour for a long time, you would think a band would get worn out and loose their "sound," but Blind Pilot did not loose their sound. Before their encore they played "We are the Tide," and the front man of the band mentioned that the "we" was not just the band but the band and audience.
It was a different good way to end Fathers Day, and I am glad people came out. There were even some dads "good ones" in the audience. Thank You Dale for bringing back such a cool band, I hope we can see them again in the future.
Check out more photos from the show HERE!
Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com |
