 Spokane's The City We Live In is a cool indie DIY band that puts their hearts and emotions into music. This was my third time seeing them and each time they seem a little bit cooler and they are still lovin' what they do. I respect their take on music, they are a very quite emo-indie band that carries a mellow bittersweet tune. We were running late and didn't catch their entire set but what we heard was simple but full of personality. They are a cool part of the Spokane Scene that you should check out.
Maine is a long way away from Washington. I map-quested it and it is roughly 2,900 miles to the capitol of Maine from Spokane. The Loblolly Boy was next. Guess where he is from...it's 3,000 miles away. Yep, Maine. I like how an artist from Maine wanted to play in lil ol Spokaloo. Did you know a loblolly boy was a non-professional assistant to the ships surgeons in the 18th-19th century. I dunno if that is why he named himself that but he seemed like a cool kid. The Loblolly Boy is simple and a good singer, great song writer. Him and his guitar. I thought his suspenders were nifty. He wrote a song to me that stuck out. He told us it was about a store owner in Maine who committed suicide by a lighthouse. He also talked about how the second beverage to water in Maine was PBR. Maine sounds like an interesting state. He had a short set for he was also the musician in Bearkat. In return Bearkat sang an acapella song with him that was somewhat acoustic as they tapped their feet on the hollow Empyrean stage. It was a intimate set that I will never forget. Partly because of his name, partly because of Maine, and partly because he wasn't at all plain.
 Bearkat. What a fun name for a talented girl. Who also just happens to be from Maine. Bearkat had a lot of awkward banter in between songs, which I adore because it shows the artists personality and it's always entertaining and mostly funny. You could tell The Loblolly Boy and Bearkat were good friends. They had chemistry. Part of her banter was how her ukulele didn't like the heat from the car. Then Loblolly boy mentioned how most instruments don't... besides the maraca in his hand. My favorite song by her was "By The Sea." She played her ukulele while Loblolly Boy was rockin a high hat and a snare. Bearkat had a lovely voice. I think that it is okay to say the word awesome because you or I can be in "awe" about shoes or anything at all. Loblolly Boy at the end of your set even said "It's awesome." I thought it was really fun that she compared a love song to a fire level sign, that made me giggle. Bearkat ended her set with "Call the Doctor" and like the Loblolly Boy I won't forget her set.
 It was a special night for Henry Nordstrom. It was his EP Release show. We have seen Henry a few times now and he is such a down to earth kid who writes these brilliant songs. I haven't gone up to him and talked to him yet like I have with a lot of artists. It's just cool that he scoops ice cream by day and will musically scoop your mind and ears by night. I am not sure what scooping your mind or ears is but it's a good thing. Tonight was the first night we got to hear a slightly more reverbed Henry. Either way I like what I hear from him but it was cool to hear the reverb like you do on his myspace. I found out that his guitar player is Von Wood. He deserves credit because I have been calling him the guitar player or friend before. I was excited to get to know his name. So far the Henry EP is delightful. There is something eerie yet smooth and beautiful that I get from his music. I think he is very modest and kind and he puts on a great set. As Matty says "he's awesome.... he sounded good." He seems to stay in the shadows but is well known as one of Spokane's best musicians. I hope to hear more from him soon.
Check out more photos from the show HERE
Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com |
