The Bright Light Social Hour w/Talk In Tongues & Duke Evers
Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA
05.08.15
Old school, southern bones brewed with progressive flavor makes for mind-blowing psych-rock soup with Austin’s The Bright Light Social Hour. Touring in support of their sophomore release Space is Still the Place, TBLSH graced Ballard’s Tractor Tavern stage Friday night with their massive guitar riffs, driving basslines and gospel-worthy harmonies.
Somewhere between a dance-party and trippy Pink Floyed, the guys of TBLSH managed to sound both grittily homespun and perfectly produced at the same time. Joseph Mirasole, Jack O’Brien, Curtis Roush and Edward “Shreddward” Braillif brought their considerable talents out in full force, letting rip on new tracks like “Sweet Madelene” and “Infinite Cities,” with soaring instrumentation and extended song versions that showcased their musicianship.
There was very little banter, but the forward-thinking lyrics of the new album stand strong on their own, and crowd was in the palm of their hands. A packed house full of waving arms and swaying bodies hung on every chord. Segueing between bluesy, down-home soul and futuristic psych-rock, these guys have developed a signature sound that encompasses their influences and southern rock brethren while managing to completely impress on its own.
Openers Talk in Tongues, a neo-psych-rock outfit out of LA – touring with The Bright Light Social Hour – played a glittery dream of a set. Less classic psychedelic and more 80’s shoegaze meets ethereal indie-pop, for this year-old group the doors are wide open for the release of their full length Alone With A Friend next week. Stay tuned as their name will likely be heard buzzing around the indie pop scene soon.
Plus local Seattle boys Duke Evers started off the Friday night party with their energetic blues-rock. Vocalist/guitarist Josh Starkel and drummer Kyle Veazey are a duo that packs a punch, with charismatic moves and reckless musical abandon. Their debut EP, Handfull of Pennies, is full of foot-stomping potential, and on playlist repeat. Looking forward to a full-length release and a Bumbershoot performance sure to gain them some much-deserved exposure.
Check The Bright Light Social Hour’s tour schedule for a date near you here.
Review by Stephanie Dore
Photos by Daniel Hager
The Bright Light Social Hour
Talking in Tongues
Duke Evers
