Wild Flag, Drew Grow and The Pastors Wives
The Loft
October 28, 2011
Better than: only experiencing the album.
At least every once in a while, a performance causes a person to reflect on that eternal question: "Did I waste my money on this?"
While the age of digital music has made it easier to avoid that question when it comes to buying an album, that same question of return on investment still raises its ugly little head from time to time as pertains to the live show end of things.
The performances at The Loft on Friday evening triggered that math for this reviewer.
As most of Dallas watched in dejection as the Rangers pissed away the
potential glory of their first World Series championship and few souls
ventured out to see live music, The Loft served up Drew Grow, Pastors Wives and the uber-rocking women of Wild Flag.
Never heard of Drew Grow? I hadn't either, until their CD
magically appeared in my mail (physical mail at that) earlier in the
week. I'd popped it into the car's CD player to check it out and
surprisingly enjoyed it. Another tortured Christian singer-songwriter --
but enjoyable enough -- the sound was a bit reminiscent of Dallas's own
The Beaten Sea or maybe a more gospel-tinged Fox & The Bird. I even made a point of
getting to The Loft early to not miss any of the set.
But it really disappointed. The band was certainly proficient, if a
bit over-driven in sincerity. The line up included the bands namesake playing an old Gibson electric (an ES-125), a bassist that
switched between a stand-up and a Rickenbacker (interesting dichotomy), a drummer and a lead
guitarist in white-framed glasses that demanded attention. All
contributed to some nice harmonies, and the lead guitarist also amped up
the edginess of the band with unusual guitar play, an aggressive
pseudo-dobro technique and a beaming stage persona. But whether it was the
over-driven mics or the shear volume, all in all, it was a bit of a let
down compared to the CD.
By contrast, Wild Flag is a band that you simply have to see to fully
appreciate. Each member of Wild Flag has a well-earned reputation; they garnered lots of press when their formation was
announced, and more when they played a number of live shows in the
spring starting with SXSW. When their album was finally released in
late September, I made a point of purchasing the day it became
available.
And? Well, it's not something I would sit
down and listen to from corner to corner again after that initial
listen.
But, live, let me tell you: They deliver. Anchored by the powerful
drumming of Janet Weiss (she's just awesome), this band rocks hard. Carrie
Brownstein and Mary Timony are both extremely good guitarists, and they
trade licks and share vocals like the consummate pros they are.
Keyboardist Rebecca Cole gets a bit overshadowed, but bursts forth from
time to time.
Brownstein in particular is just a natural performer, kicking and jumping
and oozing charisma.
The set, as expected, drew almost exclusively from the debut release.
Highlights? The Black Sabbath-inspired "Glass Tambourine" was great.
Mary tapping out the signature of "Short Version" was awesome. A new song
(released on their web site) called "Winter Pair" was excellent.
As for the economics? Definitely money well spent for the live Wild Flag
experience. If it takes buying the album to keep 'em touring, sign
me up.
Critics Notebook
Random Note: As much charisma as the ladies have on stage, off stage
they are pretty awkward. A simple "Hi!" to Timony caused her to retract
and literally hide behind her guitar. Yikes!
Personal Bias: As noted in perhaps too many of my reviews, a good
drummer is in my opinion the make-or-break performer for a good
performance. And Janet Weiss is just a damn good rock drummer that
propels this bands live music.
