Here’s the second installment from our new contributor Ariane Trahan, founder of Easy Apple, which bridges the gap between New York City and New Orleans, creating a helpful connection for musicians between the Big Easy and the Big Apple.
I was really anticipating finally seeing the much-whispered-about Sun Hotel. The Foburg guys are fans, my intern is in love with them, and all I had heard was a teaser single from their forthcoming EP Gifts. “Alchemy” had me at hello and thankfully Sun Hotel had a show on a Sunday night when I was available. Well technically I had a date, but aren’t loud music venues the most appropriate and intimate settings for getting to know someone new? Fortunately for me, my companion agreed.
One Eyed Jack’s played host to a nearly perfect bill – Caddywhompus, Twin Killers, Zorch and Sun Hotel. This was a sort of homecoming for these bands, having played the past three nights together in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Sun Hotel’s Tyler Scurlock came off like a beaming little kid as he told me, “Tonight is like leaving summer camp for us!” He explained the group’s habit of using New Orleans as the kickoff to their treks on the road, “We’re normally either too excited, anxious, or dead when we play here.”
Returning home for the finale this time around called for a great performance from confident, decompressed musicians – and that spirit was reflected on stage when the boys hit the first notes of “Palms.” They killed it with those four-part harmonies intermingled with Brooklyn-esque vocals and high-hat-heavy drumming. I’m a sucker for bands who give you just a taste of shoegaze without calling the genre their home. I think a great pairing for this band is New Jersey’s Holler, Wild Rose! Do yourself a favor and listen to these bands while you’re smoked out on your living room floor. You’re welcome.
By the way, Twin Killers blew me away. This is what you’d get if Bjork fronted a rock band that matched the guitar and vocal arrangements in an undeniably appealing way . The lead lady, Jessica Ramsey, is reminiscent of a modest Karen O channeling a freaked out and paranoid Alice in Wonderland. I can’t quite decide if she was still finding herself as a performer, or was playing the part flawlessly. On that note, when I ran into her in the powder room and asked who her influences are she straight up answered, “Bjork and Karen O.” My date and I are two for two at this point.
My personal intermission was Austin’s Zorch, who incorporated a boat load of sonic experimentation. With quirky personalities and creativity desperately seeking guidance, I had to sit this one out. Despite not being rated E for Everyone, I can see this duo kicking ass and taking names at Brooklyn’s Blip Fest.
If you’re a fan of Nintendo and 8-bit you will appreciate what they’re doing. If you have seizures or are prone to panic attacks, take a deep breath and find another show.
The grand finale – the energetic and frenetic Caddywhompus! Another local band I hadn’t seen a legitimate performance from. I crashed their house party months back, Blue Moon in hand, to see them do it DIY style in their garage. Standing in a hot-as-hell cement jungle with a warm brew in your hand and an all-consuming smell of body odor is not the best case scenario, so it called for a do-over.
I now love Caddywhompus. The connection between these two dudes is so inviting. From the atypical stage show of facing each other rather than the crowd, to the instinctive bouncing and spazzing that singer Chris Rehm seemingly can’t contain, I can’t say they didn’t steal the show. I’m not even a huge fan of noise pop, but they do it so well that musical tastes become irrelevant. More importantly, they’re savvy Loyola students who built their fanbase on this city’s mantra: Do It Yourself. They formed their own record label made up of like-minded friends who make quality music and give it away for free. Seriously? Impressed. With my date, and with such a satisfying lineup of local talent.
