In the end, only the most interested souls (if they’re allowed) show up. By 10pm, the fans have headed safely to bed, resting for either school or work the next day; The main acts plays to abandoned rooms. It is so sad. Even the opening acts have left.

That said, this does not diminish the quality of the performers. I’ve reviewed some great acts playing to empty tables and uninterested bartenders. Dear Penny is no exception. They may be young and inexperienced, but their personality shines through in the performance. Yes, I loved A Current Affair and Sleep for Sleepers; Their performance was everything I expected. I wasn’t there, however, to review them.

From the first song to the last, Dear Penny truly endears themselves to the crowd. From the fun sing-along “Sunshine” to the more serious worship style of “Stay,” not a song went by that didn’t hold value all on its own. What do I mean? You know how signed bands occasionally play a … well … track 5 from the CD; It’s a formulaic piece their producer really liked. The lyrics are bland and the music uninspired. Dear Penny doesn’t have any of those songs. Every song, no matter how simplistic, is something they honestly enjoy playing … and that makes a difference.

Are these educated musicians? No. The act wasn’t clean or technically savvy. It was the chemistry that held them together on stage. As Nick laughs, screams and dances, Dakota drives the rhythm or, just as seamlessly, provides claps in time. All the while, the ever versatile Steven plays an eclectic arrangement of tambourines, shakers and something I can only describe as an air powered keyboard with an accordian straw; He also provides background vocals. I’m not really sure who the bass and guitar players were; They didn’t contribute much anyways.  That said, the core trio of Dear Penny are good friends playing music they love. From it flows raw talent wrapped up tight behind funny glasses.

Speaking of that, let’s talk fashion. Nick is apparently aware he’s in a band. Sporting grandma’s glasses from 1989 and a loose, bandanna-like scarf stolen from the dumpster behind Claires, he epitomes the random stuff found in the garage look. The pants were too tight and probably stretchy (“When you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants …”). Even his green slip-on shoes could have been sown by street vendors at Pike’s place. It was wonderfully different and only added to the fun.

Steven, I believe, was aiming for metrosexual hippy. Donning a trendy English driver’s cap, a scarf he apparently stole from Nick’s dumpster adventures and sans shoes, Steven’s attire screamed city boy. He made a good counter point to Nick’s garage sale attire. Yet, somehow, they worked together to form a strange cohesiveness.

This cohesiveness makes their stage performance work. Nick, the clear leader, kept the songs running orderly despite his sometimes wild antics. Following faithfully, Steven provided much needed harmony and texture to otherwise mundane pieces. Dakota, although probably under utilized, did a good job playing along. I really have no complaints about their stage presence.

That is actually something I can say about Dear Penny’s performance at the El Corazon in general. Yes, they’re immature as both musicians and performers, but their love of the music and talented stage presence only highlight their potential. I can see these boys moving up the musical food chain in much the same way as Josiah James (who also played that evening). So, if you get a chance to catch these young men in concert, and it’s cheap, please bring your comfy slippers and funny hats; The fun is about to begin.

Of course, I wouldn’t expect you to take my word for it. Here are some videos from that evening. Each one has something different to offer. Listen, watch and enjoy!

Sunshine

Sweetie, Pie Lullaby

Stay

In preparation for Garage Voice, I ran audio from the sound board digitally into my laptop; I’d like to give a big thanks to the great volunteers at the Q. I made sure to get the lighting right and found a decent perch for filming; The bench on the back wall next to the sound board is a pretty good spot. Once my coffee arrived, all was ready.

Finally, after much anticipation, the voices and instruments I’d heard online so many times took on flesh and began to set up on stage. Yeah, I do sound like a fan of theirs. Why not though, they’re a great band.

A local legend, Garage Voice is both talented and original, delivering edifying lyrics woven into memorable melodies; In my opinion, this trio sets the standard for semi-acoustic Christian music. Garage Voice has no need for gimmicks. They’re not embracing compromised lyrics nor a compromised lifestyle to attract audiences; The respect they garner from both secular and Christian audiences is respect they earned.

How can I gather all this from a single performance? Easy. In attendance that night, hooting and hollering, were Noah Gundersen, Endeverance, Tom Rorem and many other northwest musicians come to pay their respects. It’s not that they didn’t enjoy Adam or Lower Lights, it’s just that you don’t earn the kind of  vocal approval they yelled out over night. These boys are truly musically blessed and everyone paying attention knows it.

Their set at the Q that night, most of which I will post below, displays both the talent and diverse styles of the band. Each song was unique from its brothers and sisters, displaying a personality all its own, yet was threaded into the consistent whole that is Garage Voice. Sometimes bluesy, other times classic rock, there was really no way to tell which tact the song was going to take; More often than not, the musical turn was an enjoyable one.

That evenings set, more than anything, reflected the relationships fostered on their recent tour. With a smile, the band gladly invited fellow musicians such as Adam Pasion and Tom Rorem to take part in their sets. It probably wasn’t the most seamless integration ever in some cases, but the extra voices and instruments did add something new to the songs … perhaps something we will never hear again. There was something just fun about the way they played together.

Speaking of that, I’d have to say the most infectious thing about the music of Garage Voice is how fun they are. Not just the catchy melodies or interesting solos, these songs are truly from start to finish musical rides with enough twists and turns to keep the children of  the “A.D.D.” generation interested. And it isn’t just the audience, these guys appear to really enjoy playing it as well. The music isn’t something they turn out because they have to, it’s something they get the privilege of sharing with audiences.

Their shows aren’t just about sharing music, though. Through uncompromised lyrics, Garage Voice delivers a clear and sober message about the role of Jesus in their lives. It’s really hard to ask for more: Quality aesthetics, solid lyrics and on top of that, a very friendly demeanor.

After the great set (enjoy the videos below at any time), I had a chance to chat with a few of the players. After asking just a few questions it became clear how outstandingly friendly and truly interested in their fans they were; They’re real people as well as performers. Yup, I’m a fan.

So, yes, I heartedly suggest you see Garage Voice live. I believe their live shows are even better than the recordings. Of course, that’s just my opinion. Listen to their music online and then the songs below. You tell me.

Tips of you Hand

Psalm 91

Repentance

All to Pieces

Loud as Your Miracles

Do No Harm

Anyways, this week was another birthday party and Affected was the birthday girl’s favorite band. There was cake and, once again, a great selection of catered food; The God Rock Cafe really has been working on their menu and the improvements are quite tasty. And this past week, the God Rock Cafe provided a good selection from the Seattle entertainment menu. Affected, one of the God Rock staff’s favorite bands, put on a well-polished show for the party.

To begin with, the vocals were solid. Rather than being laced with eclectic metaphors and screaming crescendo endings (which is typical of the experimental rock bands), Affected has chosen a more straight forward approach. Each line speaks from the heart and mind of someone truly concerned for those around them. You’re not going to spend hours attempting to figure them out, but when you need encouraging, they may just do the job.

Of course, there’s more than just encouraging lyrics to Affected. Their melodic rock sound is well practiced and definitely better than average.; The chemistry between the brothers that make up the band is very visible. Aside from the fact that many of their songs seemed to follow the same motif (they seemed to rely on the same melody in differing forms), the tunes showed a definite understanding of harmony and the hard rock genre. Each piece stayed clearly within the lines drawn by the genre they’ve chosen to pursue.You won’t get many surprises with this band.

As for their stage presence, Affected once again displays what you’d expect. From their clothing choices to their performance style, it’s an entertaining show you can enjoy when you’re not looking for a flashback to the 70′s guitar rock era. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a “bland” performance; They are fun to watch and listen to … they’re just not going to challenge your musical tastes.

To be fair, is was a birthday party and the kids showed up already expecting a fun band. The good news, of course, is that The New Divide didn’t disappoint. With a slate of solid rock tunes, these four musicians keep their music just outside of the standard rock-worship sound (save for the actual worship tunes). It shows both constraint (they’re not Symmetry / Symmetry), and a the ability to step, albeit a single foot, outside the box. In short, this band is exactly what it claims to be. Best of all, they enjoy their own music (as opposed to churning out stuff merely because they think the crowds will like it).

Their set that evening was well chosen to entertain. Upbeat and lighthearted, each song included enough stage performance to keep the eye interested and enough expectation of participation to keep the crowd involved. In between the songs, the band never shied away from engaging the crowd, whether it be instructions for the next song’s participation or sharing a funny anecdote.

Although it doesn’t appear from this performance that any of these musicians received long-term musical training, their natural talents have made up the difference. Even without complicated, haunting melodies and deep, metaphorical lyrics, The New Divide puts on a show well worth seeing if you have the time. No, I wouldn’t pay $12 at the door or $10 in advance to see them, but for the price that evening I can say I was happy I’d come.

As a note, the founder of Freedom Fest also spends his Friday nights at the God Rock, eyeballing entertainers for this years tentative festival. If you’re a band, it might be something to consider.

Also, the lead singer of The New Divide runs the Rockhaus venue in Montlake Terrace. So if you’re looking for a venue for an open Friday night, this might be the guy to get ahold of.

And now, a selection of four songs from that evening. I’ve included some of the banter to highlight their light-hearted, all-ages friendly interaction.

Control

Home

Friendly Fire

A Worship Song

Not to change the subject, but that evening, pulled pork was on the menu. Man … it’s like love smothered in barbecue sauce. This summer I’m gonna try and imitate that recipe.

Anyways, precisely on time, The Reaching took the stage. After a brief introduction, they started right into the set. Immediately, I heard a Mars Hill worship band. The sound, the voice, the style … it all just said Mars Hill to me. Fortunately, I really enjoy the Mars Hill sound of worship: Nothing too messy or loud, just quality, modern means of worshiping our Lord. I’d be willing to bet this band can light up a Sunday morning.

As for Saturday night, however, they need a little more time for their natural creativity to emerge. The group tended to color within the lines so informally drawn around the worship music scene in Seattle. Breaking out of this mold will be a watershed for the band and, in God’s timing, bring them a greater influence in the secular world. Until their entertainment value increases for a non-Christian audience, their impact will be limited as well.

Why do I hold this opinion about their style? There are tell-tale signs that a group (or it’s members) has been playing other people’s material for a conservative audience. Here’s a list of clues I caught from the performance:

1. The lead and harmony vocals were confident and very solid even while playing (#1 strength of a good worship leader.)
2. Each member of the band was comfortable on more than one instrument.
3. No one in the group was a master of any instrument.
4. The instrument solos, a big no-no in most worship music, were … how can I say this … not well practiced.
5. The clothing choices said, “I’m cool, but not a rebel.”
6. The stage movements weren’t distracting.

Now, I don’t want to look like I’m bashing The Reaching unfairly. They are a great band with music well suited for their genre. The tunes are catchy, the words easy to follow and the environment lends itself to worship and praise. If someone comes merely to be entertained, however, they’ll be left wanting; there’s simply too much “Sunday-morning-church” to the sound. Of course, I can’t even be sure that’s where God’s calling them as a group. That’s my own presumption and could be very, very wrong.

Following that train of thought, I’ve found that since filming the band and reviewing their video, I’m listening to their music over and over again. Apparently, I’m a fan of Seattle style worship music (and thus, The Reaching). I even find myself looking forward to their next concert. Apart from what I’ve said about attracting a secular audience, if you like their style of music, you will like their concert.

Judge for yourself. I’ve got two videos posted below, each representing a part of their performance. The first is a straight forward rock sounding song. On the second, they switch instruments and sounds dramatically for a slower, acoustic performance. If you feel so inclined, post some comments.

So, there I was at the Q feeling just plain stupid. Rather than be down about this obvious mistake, I made the best of it. There were two new artists to discover! I’d heard Justin Klump before, but the other two artists were new to me. Why not? I paid the full admission price and purchased a coffee (I always support the venue) set up the camera and started filming.

The first artist was just about done with his set when I walked in. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get enough video for a review. The second artist, however, did a full set in front of the lens. They’re a bluesy brother and sister duo lead by the soulful voice of Kristen Hingtgen. If I had to describe my initial reaction, I’d have to say … well … surprise.

From that small woman came such a big voice. The first song was a deep, blues piece sans instruments. That was such a brave tact to take right off. Immediately the band garnered my respect. Apparently, the crowd agreed; There is no substitute for authenticity in lyric and emotion. That said, the voice wasn’t all there was to them.

Aesthetically, the dirty, urban, neo-grunge look was a great way to dress for this style of music. It added a layer of authenticity and kept the deep lyrics from seeming contrived; There’s very little that bothers me more about a musical group than $300 sneakers, $200 haircuts and $100 manicures accompanying tortured lyrics exploring the deep pain of … what? Is lacrosse practice too hard? The deep anguish over having to drive yet another used BMW? Rant end.

Anyways, these two play their part. You can feel the hours of practice in the expressions on their faces; This is especially true for Kristin. Her facial expressions said it all: Deep concentration revealed in bunched brows, loud bellows escaping from the sides of her mouth and proper, natural turn aways from the microphone as the volume reached a crescendo.

Her brother, on the drums, could have simply tapped out a time keeping beat with sparse, meaningless accents. Fortunately for our sake, his own voice was heard through that single snare drum. Although obviously extremely limited in scope, the soft brush slides and tapping metal hits came out as well-timed, emotional compliments to the lyrics. There’s no way to judge his talent level from this performance, but that said, I can’t doubt his ability to feel the music.

As a side note, I appreciate it when a band, even if the band is sloppy, pays attention to each other. It bugs me to no end when they start playing their parts as if the other band members aren’t there. It’s usually accompanied by blank stares and glares that scream, “Hey everyone, catch up!” None of that here.

Kristin really concentrated on the deliverance of her lyrics. Despite that, her brother never got lost. He pushed right on ahead into territory they both seem to know already very well. With a clean, authentic vocal delivery and an artistically pleasing performance, I would definitely recommend catching these two for a great chill show at any local coffee shop; The sound relaxes me instantly.

Here’s a few video from the evening. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

And if that weren’t enough, here’s about 80% of the set (minus banter and a copyrighted song):

That said, living in Everett now, I decided to explore the local cafe and musical venue again. The front door looked the same, so did the stairs and those cool window seats. A few more flashing lights and signs adorned the windows, but those certainly didn’t constitute a real change. It wasn’t until I looked for the counter that the first major difference confronted me … where was the front counter? As if some mysterious suggestion box had been consulted, a number of well-thought-out changes had been made; And all of the changes were for the good.

The first thing you’ll notice upon entering is the new counter vestibule. The coffee bar has been pushed back into the kitchen hallway, leaving a noticeably large area to accommodate waiting customers; The previous counter pressed customers up against the stairs and left very little waiting room. There’s a new soda fridge and a chip selection (the espresso machine is a real beauty to behold as well).

After ordering a mocha, I headed upstairs. I was hoping to get a look at the changes happening in the seating area below. To my amazement, the upper hallways were covered in artwork: A raging horse springs from the wall; Subtle messages nip at the edges of your vision; Small, framed collages hang as beautifully as any fine gallery. I just didn’t see any of that coming.

Once I’d admired the new wall decor, I explored the upper deck, taking a look down into the main seating area. If you do visit, the seating upstairs is actually cooler, but only those who visit regularly know how to get up there. Immediately I noticed that the old plywood, faux-hardwood flooring was gone; Now the older, actual hardwood flooring is exposed, polished and sealed. It’s quite a sight.

The second thing I noticed was the 90 degree swing of the entire venue. The stage used to be against the west wall, causing sound to reflect through the room and echo ceaselessly during a performance. Now the stage is in back of the kitchen, with a “green room” in the works behind it. The enclosed room by the back door has been opened up and couches laid out. With all this new open area, this might just turn out to be a good venue after all.

Here are some photos I grabbed during my visit:

[View with PicLens]

That night, the Washington based pop rock band Noon Day Sun was the first to play the partially finished stage. There’s a lot of wiring to finish and the stage needs to be extended; The 5’7″ gap between the stage at the upper level support beam forces non-seated band members forward. Outside of that, the speaker placement and acoustics have both been well tuned for the space.

Like all shows at the God Rock, Noon Day Sun was scheduled to start at 8pm. I got there at 7:30pm. Fortunately, a hot chocolate and steak panini were just what the doctor ordered to pass the time. Seriously, the food quality improvement at that place is legendary. From the old soggy rolls to the unevenly baked bullet breads, the God Rock has always had a problem producing quality sandwiches. Good news, the panini’s are in and they’re good.

Yes, it was loud and it took the crowd 2 or 3 songs to get warmed up to the rock-like sound. Fortunately, I wasn’t reviewing the crowd. That said, they were an eclectic mix of preteen kids, middle-aged men and young go-getters on fire for the ministry. Strange for a venue, especially in the Seattle area, but nonetheless, fun.

Originally on the ground floor, the awkward arrangement of the tables made it difficult to film, so I moved upstairs for the rest of the show. Once the music began, the pop sounds filled the space but didn’t echo; How nice.

As for the music, although it was all a bit predictable, Noon Day Sun wasn’t bad. True, they embrace well-worn musical styles and cliched riffs, but then again, so does most modern worship music; And there’s nothing wrong with that. Their clothing, by the way, only confirmed my conclusion; They’re taking what is and what was and making it into what they are. Combined with the lyrics, however, their songs really do come to life, at one point almost driving me to a loss of emotional control (let’s just say it was the Holy Spirit).

Recalling old Super Chic[k] or Barlow Girl, Noon Day Sun’s music makes obvious references to popular stereotypes and dysfunctions plaguing both men and women in our society. I can not fault their message (which is often sung in both adult and juvenile detention centers around the state). This is a Christian band and they’re not afraid to let you know (praise God for that).

As an intermission, the owner of the God Rock Cafe gave the story of the inception and founding of the venue. Rather than try to explain the music or the message any further, here are two videos. The first is “Barbie Nation” by Noon Day Sun and the second is the testimony of the God Cafe founder. My recommendation, by the way, is to visit the cafe on an event night (get the pulled pork early, it smells like heaven and typically sells out in less than 20 minutes).

As for their stage performance, it was the most interesting conglomeration of styles I’ve ever seen. I was excited to see the young, white Michael Jackson on guitar; I believe his dancing made my whole night a little more fun. The others seemed a bit awkward in their too-tight jeans; looking a little clumsy on stage rather than wild and fun. That said, the band put on a good performance; Abandon Kansas really put their best feet forward, seriously trying to give the audience not only great music but a great show as well. It was overall quite enjoyable.

Now, their music tells me they’re a “radio hit” band. The tunes are catchy and the sound quality is aesthetically pleasing. I have no complaints at all; As a matter of fact, their CD is in my car right now. It’s good music for the everyday commute.

Personally, if I had to guess, I’d say that both their stylistically confused members and radically diverse stage presence choices make an overall conclusion about Abandon Kansas a pretty easy call: This is a collection of friends who all share a love of the music. They may differ in certain tastes and preferences, but I believe that helps give the fans better quality music. It isn’t going to break any new ground or drive you into emotional contemplation, but if you’re in a good mood, it’ll make you smile (and maybe even move a little).

If you’re looking for more on Abandon Kansas, check out their Myspace or buy some merch (the CD’s are good).

Here are a couple of songs from that evening.

I Wonder If It’s Me

Minutes

So finally, after all the other acts, well after 10pm, Children 18:3 took the stage. So many people had gone home by then I was almost feeling embarrassed for Seattle. I’d had an opportunity to interact with the band before the show. As I’d expected, they were likable, friendly people with their hearts in the right place. That said, it was just a sad situation. However, to be completely honest, it’s not like Children 18:3 gets much radio play in the Puget Sound and they’re definitely not local … so I guess I kind of understand.

Anyways, as the videos will show, these guys (and girl) put on a show to remember. They knew their music, loved their music and embraced it with fervor. With grace and precision, David and LeeMarie kept up the action and excitement. Never was there a dull tune or filler song.

Now, would I regard Children 18:3 as the best stage performers I’ve seen on the Seattle small venue scene? Quite probably.

Seth seriously owned the drums. Those multi-colored, plaid boxes were bouncing like a carnival game. The rhythms were fast and flawless. Like a horseman driving his team, Seth controlled each drum to create a powerful, yet controlled, beat. He is an expert not easily matched among young bands in the genre.

David and LeeMarie showed no fear, hesitation or qualms about throwing themselves wholeheartedly into every song. Every twist and turn of melody or rhythm elicited an appropriate response. Jumping, kicking, throwing, nothing was out of bounds. Truly artists, these two could simultaneously whip their instruments any which direction and never miss a note. Whether collapsing after a wild spin or swinging the bass around like a hula-hoop, neither David nor LeeMarie were too disoriented to be ready at the mic for the next verse of the song (despite what looked at times like obvious disorientation).

As for the music, the songs flowed seamlessly from one to the next. Each was separate, yet connected through interstitial musical preludes, short jam sessions or interesting stories from their previous experiences in Seattle (will, kind of interesting). Of course, some songs were more lyrically diverse and melodic than others; As an example. their last song, a new tune called, “Oh, Honestly” was as simple-versed, almost a pop-styled tune, while their first was clearly a metaphor-laced, punk rock hit. Although I did like some songs more than others, the diversity did not take away from the sheer pleasure of the performance.

I would recommend seeing this band live for the full experience. Invite them to your town, you won’t be disappointed.

As I mentioned earlier, I have some videos from that night. I know the sound sucks a bit (it was an echo chamber), but I hope the stage performance convinces you to check out their music. There just is no substitute for quality.

Don’t Mock the Music

All My Balloons

Oh, Honestly

In addition, this team of players really seemed to enjoy their music. Playing their own blend of jazz and rock, there was never a lack of genuine enthusiasm for the piece; the drummer was especially expressive.

Unexpectedly, the eclectic titles did a good job of suggesting the general mood of the tune. Once again, these appeared to be educated musicians with a good grasp of time, rhythm, mood and melody. All in all, I found the show entertaining and the band likable.

In that vein, here’s 27 minutes of the Empty Space Orchestra at the Q Cafe in Queene Anne, Washington. I don’t know the title to the second song yet; I’m hoping the band will help me out with that. Enjoy!