Beginning-of-the-week bookings can be a tough gig, so it was nice to see The End bustling with a healthy crowd Tuesday night, especially for a band that is somewhat new to the circuit. From what I gather, Night Beds has been around for a few years, but has only played a couple shows with their current lineup. Judging from their performance the other night, the newly arranged Night Beds is off to an impressive start.
I went into this show with a pretty clear picture of what to expect; something soft and misty, setting a tone similar to how an underwater swim feels (if that makes any sense). Well, I got slapped in the face with something much different. Night Beds’ live versions are thicker and have more drive than the recorded tracks, which was a great transformation to make for this Rock club.
The orchestration still captured the band’s calming beauty by incorporating violin, gorgeous female harmonies, and pacifying lead vocals by Winston Yellen that contain just a touch of that Jeff Buckley heartache.
Yellen is a lovable character, and so humble; definitely the type that America would embrace on one of those prime-time televised talent shows. (I’m not saying…I’m just saying.) He has a lot of passion and focuses on engaging the crowd and keeping them interested.
He graciously thanked the audience numerous times for coming out, acknowledging the fact that people had jobs and lives to live in the morning. “This is like Madison Square Garden for us, so thank you.”
Night Beds’ set was rather short; about a half hour, but I respected that decision. Many times bands overstay their welcome, feeling the need to play every song they have. It’s better to keep the crowd wanting more when you’re a new local act. Thanks to their consideration, we were able to catch a great show and be cozy in our “night beds” by 1:00 am. Not bad.
You can download two tracks off Night Beds’ upcoming album, Country Sleep, at www.nightbeds.org free. According to their site, the full-length record will be “in the spirit of the vagabond, in the winding path to a place of good rest.”
