Ivan and Alyosha, Pablo Trucker, Pickwick on Saturday, October 30th at the Empyrean
Tonight was a stacked lineup (like Jenga) of three Seattle bands, who all warmed up the Empyrean on our cold rainy Saturday night in Spokane. Those who went and stayed for the evening got an earful of lucid vocals, tight harmonies, and strong tunes.
Ivan and Alyosha took the stage first. There in front of us were four gentlemen in a straight row. No drums, but acoustic guitar with a little tambourine and shakers and to top it off four piece harmonies. It was quiet but attention grabbing to see this forefront of guys with vocals and charming chemistry. I guess they fired their drummer… I am not sure what they sounded like with the fifth member but I thought they were grand tonight. It was the perfect way to get the evening rolling. We even did some clapping along to a song or two and they treated us with new music. I am very excited to learn more about Ivan and Alyosha. Man, Seattle is just blossoming with talent.
I am loving Pablo Trucker more and more each time I see them. For a three piece they really pack a smooth soulful punch; like an Americana waltz through alt-country. It warms you up, and a few times made me want to dance but no one else was so I just tapped my cowboy boots in the corner. It was funny there was a bit of a hiccup and Brian (singer) justifies it perfectly as … if you want to listen to our songs our CD’s are right over there… you’re getting the full Pablo Trucker experience tonight! Which is so true and is one of the beauties of live music. It’s un-expecting and one of a kind. Pablo Trucker’s set was rich and full of sound I am excited to listen to their latest EP that we picked up titled “The Gossamer Sessions.” Also big thanks to Kory for telling us about this show, perfect way to spend our Saturday night!
“We’re Pickwick from Seattle, Happy Halloween!” All five members of Pickwick took the stage next with Kory from Pablo Trucker as well. It was great to hear Pickwick play, we hadn’t seen them since Elkfest 2009. Since it is Halloween weekend the band decided to come out as Frenchie and the Nerds! Everyone had taped glasses and small ties, suspenders, sweaters and Galen was french-fries. It was awesome! The entire set was stellar packing in percussion, beats, and well Galen has some seriously smooth vocals that are so soulful! I mean really who knew french-fries could sing so well? They have a great sound that is perfect for any mood, especially for tonight. They decided to take a random poll and asked us who our favorite Halloween nerd was, by applause… I think Cassady on Keys had the most applause but they all looked AWESOME! They played us their two new songs which are off their gorgeous new 45 Myths Vol. 1 “Hacienda Motel” and “When Rosa Speaks.” Which we are listening to right now and LOVE it. We are so jacked to get the rest of the 45’s when they come out! They thanked the remainder of the crowd for not going to a Halloween party tonight… they figured they would bring one to us and they did. Their set ended with every single musician that played tonight on stage and they went out with a bang! I don’t think we have been to a Spokane show in a while where every single band was that talented. It was such a great show and we walked home with a new 45, new EP, and a new poster! Loved it!
Photos courtesy of Matt Auclair.
