This is fine.
Blind Pilot has a habit of bring along outstanding openers. Last time it was Dan Mangan. This time, we had Lost Lander.
Despite it being a Friday the 13th, +1 and I headed to La Zona Rosa after a nice dinner, joining what seemed to be many other couples on a date night. And why not? Both bands ooze with sensible songwriting conducive to holding hands and swaying a little while singing along.
Pics and more notes after the break…
| Date | Friday, July 13th |
|---|---|
| Location | La Zona Rosa |
| Doors | 800 pm |
| Tickets | $17 from Frontgate |
Our writer Nicole turned us onto Blind Pilot when their record, We Are the Tide, first came out. Since then, I’ve really enjoyed their pop via country tunes, allowing them to fit into my peppier playlists. So, it makes sense that you should be at their show, but if you’re not convinced, you should also check out opening act, Lost Lander. The band just released their album, DRRT, and it’s a cross between the pop sensibilities of late Spoon, but with touches of the group’s own experimentation in the songwriting. It doesn’t matter which band you like most, you need to see them both this Friday night.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Cold_Feet.mp3]Download:Lost Lander – Cold Feet [MP3]
Dan Mangan opened for Blind Pilot. This is a great pairing which caused a packed-house sell-out. There were a few sing-alongs to go along with all of the great music. I was on hand to get some photos of the show and because both bands are full of musicians that take their performance seriously, I left a fan of both bands. It doesn’t hurt that the show was perfectly paired with its venue, The Parish.
So more on the show and plenty of images after the break…
Finding an ever-present spot on the list of premier indie folk cities in the country is Portland, OR, with it’s country and folk roots, laid-back vibe, and organic character. The latest release from Portland natives, Blind Pilot, ‘We Are the Tide’, is quintessentially northwest, reeking of lush forests soaked in a summer rain as the sun emerges from the cloud coverage. It begins with the kind of rain that allows you to be meditative, creative, and above all, hopeful. Like watching the water drops on a window pane and connecting the dots as they ebb and flow. Later on, when the sun finally appears, life returns to the forest.
The young duo of Israell Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski gathered their musical and lyrical strengths as evidenced on the critically acclaimed debut, 3 Rounds and a Sound. For their latest release, We Are the Tide (released September 13th via Expunged) the duo took their sound to a more mature nature once again with the help of a long list of their talented friends. Here’s a group coming to grips with their sound and along with that, the arrangements feel more confident, surefooted, and optimistic.
On the opener, ‘Half Moon’, Nebecker’s vocal strength’s are remarkably solidified. The polished sound allows for more consistency in the whole release, working towards a stronger unified theme. ‘Keep You Right’, the first single on the album, is a pleasant meditation on a one sided relationship. The wonderful dichotomy of banjo and piano ballads, push the song along with harmonies and a harmonium following along to wrap it all together in a wonderful little package. The title track on the album, ‘We Are the Tide’, is much more playful in nature with an upbeat rhythm with Nebecker and company providing the vocal punch which has become the obvious trademark of the young group. This strength again is seen on ‘The Colored Night’ which is one the most complete tracks on the album, contrasts and changing styles all fluidly working together. The final track on the release, ‘New York’ utilizes the harmonium once again, providing a vacillant soundscape paired with desolate vocals with intermittent crescendos like crashing waves.
Since its release, We Are the Tide, is an album I have been consistently turning back to when I need a boost. The lows are not too low, yet the highs are not too high. It’s the perfect level of enthusiasm while still remaining slightly reserved. I think that in itself is a perfect philosophy for life. The fact that a release can affect the listener in such a manner is noteworthy in itself. Blind Pilot will be in Austin next week at the Parish on October 5th as well as a free in-store at Waterloo earlier in the day.
There’s something about bands that craft pop melodies around folk/country elements, such as banjos and pianos, that really just grabs me. It’s always been this way, and it’s much the same when I first heard this new track from Blind Pilot. This is the first single from their upcoming record, We Are the Tide, which will be released to the masses on September 13th. Thanks to the rolling drum beat, the song swiftly moves along in pace, while still allowing you enough time to absorb the lyrics. I have a feeling with music like this coming out, it’s going to be a busy month for us here at ATH in September.
Download: Blind Pilot – Keep You Right [MP3]
