Cleveland’s Beachland Ballroom and Tavern really hit the nail on the head with the shows this week. Tonight they’re rolling right along with more fantastic music, this time featuring Dr. Dog with Quiet Life and Wax Fang.
Dr. Dog‘s music is feel good rock dusted with psychedelic, instrumental effects. The Philadelphian five-piece is Toby Leaman (vocals/bass), Scott McMicken (vocals/guitar), Zach Miller (keyboards/guitar), Frank McElroy (guitar) and Eric Slick (drums). The band has a focus on harmonies—in specific, the three-part harmonies from the same vein as those of the Beach Boys.
Supporting Dr. Dog on tour is Quiet Life. Quiet Life is Sean Spellman, Ryan Spellman, Craig Rupert, and Jeremy Bruno. Their sound is folk-infused rock with a dash of alt-country. They’ve tapped the root on down-home twangin’ guitars with vocals you’d hear on a front porch in the South. They’ve got that good ol’ Americana vibe.
These cats have been getting a lot of buzz because of the method in which they’ve decided to fuel their car for the tour. The Portland, OR transplants are touring petroleum-free, running their van off of waste vegetable oil. Pretty admirable.
Rounding out the bill is Wax Fang. The three-piece from Louisiana is Scott Carney (vocals), Kevin Ratterman (drums), and Jake Heustis (bass). Their sound fluctuates, from soft, ambient moments, to thickly constructed guitar driven songs. Carney’s vocals are laced with Southern charm, aurally conjuring up R.E.M’s Michael Stipe at times. Maybe my ears are just strange, but that’s what I hear.
So, Cleveland, I implore you, get out to the Beachland tonight. This music will make you feel good, just like mom’s best home cooked meal. It’ll soothe your soul and get your feet moving. Honestly, you can’t ask for anything more to get you through a Wednesday.
