We’re feeling the Canadian love this weekend, Seattle! I’m featuring two Canadians who are visiting our beautiful little city to shower us with glorious tunes. So show some support for our friends up North and make it out to a show this weekend!
11/16, Patrick Watson at the Crocodile | Patrick Watson is a singer-songwriter from Hudson, Quebec who may just have the most musical tricks up his sleeves. His voice is profound, while also soft and delicate, and to top it off he is a multi-talented musician, with the ability to move easily between piano, guitar, organ, and accordion. Watson, supported by a band which at times feels like an entire orchestra backing, are currently on tour to promote his newest album, Adventures in Your Own Backyard. The album was recorded in Watson’s Montreal apartment, which adds to the intimacy of the record.
These traits particularly shine on the opening track “Lighthouse,” where Watson’s high tenor is displayed lightly over piano. The song is a perfect opener for an album that entrances the listener and creates a world they cannot, even if they wanted to, leave until the last horn blares on the closing song “The Things We Do.” Watson, who won a Polar Music Prize in 2007, hasn’t quite had the success in the States as he has in Canada, but with records like Backyard, it’s only a matter of time until he is able to hold his own against the likes of Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear, and Antony & the Johnsons. He will be performing at Crocodile this Friday at an all-ages show. Tickets are $15 advanced and the show starts at 8PM. Half Moon Run will be opening.
11/17, Beat Connection at Neumos | Seattle natives, Jordan Koplowitz and Reed Juenger self-released the mainly instrumental, synth-wave album, Surf Noir in 2010. The album had two breakout songs, “In the Water” and “Silver Screen,” which featured roommate Tom Eddy on vocals. The success of the two songs was swift and the band quickly added Jarred Katz on drums to form the perfect equation they needed for the second album, The Palace Garden.
Koplowitz and Juenger are producing electronic, upbeat indie-pop enhanced by the crystal clear vocals of Katz. While Beat Connection’s sound has grown to include vocals and synth, their instrumental roots return at parts throughout the latest album. No doubt that these short instrumental breaks will allow for the audience to catch a breath in between the indie-perfect party music the band will deliver at Neumos on Saturday. Austin, Texas favorite, Sorne will open for the band alongside Odesza and Lila Rose. Tickets at $12 advance for the all-ages show. Doors open at 8PM.
11/18, Wildlife at the Sunset Tavern | Seattle continues to love the Canadian imports this weekend as the Ontario-based band, Wildlife performs at Sunset Tavern. Fronted by singer Dean Povinsky, whose voice channels Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock at times, Wildlife has seen positive reviews for their recent release, Strike Hard, Young Diamonds.
The album has hooks that grab you at every turn and a roar that would make you stop on the street and turn if you heard it blaring through the window of a passing car. Wildlife comes off as having more of a “rock” appeal initially, but the fusion of rock and pop make for a fluid sound. The band will be supported by Case and Ctrl at the 21+ show on Sunday. Doors open at 7:30 and tickets are $8 advanced.
Here’s what other artist are feeling the Seattle love this weekend:
Tractor Tavern:
11/16: Rebirth Brass Band. $22. 10P.
11/17: Emmitt-Nershi Band | Head for the Hills. $15. 9:30P
11/18: Encore of Emmitt-Nershi Band | Head for the Hills. $15. 8:30P
High Dive:
11/16: Just like Vinyl | Ticktockman | Sailor Mouth. $8. 9:30P
11/17: Wet City Rockers | Stay Grounded. $8. 9P.
11/18: Q Dot | Ficticious | Prince R.O.B | Ethos. $6. 8P.
Barboza:
11/16: Onuinu. $10. 7P
11/17: The Wooden Sky. $10. 7P.
