Hey is for Horses, Pablo Trucker, Kaylee Cole, The Maldives on Sunday, March 28th at the Empyrean
Rustic, deep folk country; Hey is for Horses got the raining evening warmed up inside the Empyrean for the final day of their Re-Grand Opening Celebration Weekend. A unique trait about Hey is for Horses is how John will turn the opening song into a “hello, hello, hello…everybody, everybody here… Empyrean.” He does his welcomes and good-byes incorporated into the songs; it’s personal and fun. Hey is for Horses is wonderful at warming up the crowd with duel singers, a harmonica, and John’s soulful singing. John even dedicated a song to his mom and dad, which were in the audience. It’s just a fun friendly set. They would be a blast to see outside, their music should be heard from a beautiful mountain side; like the one John had drawn on his guitar. I hope we have the opportunity to catch them outside this summer.
I was sitting in the back of the Empyrean as the door was open and rain fell on the ground outside when Pablo Trucker started their set. They began mellow, rocked it and then brought it back down. “Sandcastles” was so soothing with the rain and the cool breeze sneaking by my legs. Pablo Trucker can be almost blues at some points then they just go straight into the rock. “Beulah” is another one of their tunes that has a super catchy tune and is fast paced. For a three piece they have it together. They sounded really good and were fun to see play again.
I forgot how much I liked to see Kaylee Cole live it had been so long. Kaylee has stepped up her game in a few months. One difference Matt pointed out was that she stands. I thought her vocals were more emotional and sang a bit stronger – she sounded great. Plus we got to hear new tunes, which were just as good as her old songs… maybe even better. Kaylee is a new gal, and she is worth seeing again if you haven’t seen her in a while. Oil of Angels (well almost the entire band – Adam, Vaughn, and Henry) were her backing band as well as Kim Wescott. One of her new songs “Into the Woods” was really attention grabbing. Henry sounded good with Kaylee too, he sang backup very softly on a few on her songs. She ended the night with Your War and we look forward to her new record!
I was wondering how they were going to get the Maldives on the stage, sure enough they did manage to get all eight of them on. This was the end of their three week tour and they were glad to be in Spokane. The crowd (which finally moved to the floor) was dancing and hollering comments to the band… they let loose! I love the harmonies of the four men when they sing. There is just so much to watch with eight people and all of their instruments – it’s fascinating to watch it all come together in front of your face. Guitars, Banjo, Steel, Drums, Violin… just straight up rocking country, that is always fun to see live. “Time is Right Now,” has been played on repeat for a few hours now one of their great tunes! Check them out if you haven’t before.
photos by matt@checkitoutmusic.com
Hey is for Horses, Pablo Trucker, Kaylee Cole, The Maldives on Sunday, March 28th at the Empyrean
