You'd think local music would slow down a bit during Memorial Day weekend, but nope. Here's what I caught on Friday and Saturday.
Strawberry Fields' Denton Deluxe showcase (Friday at Rubber Gloves):
I was only able to see the first three acts of this two-night, goodie-filled bill, but they made the drive up 35 worthwhile (as did some succulent lamb from International Food). First-band-on-the-bill RTB2 (above) blew me away, as it is wont to do. The duo somehow achieves a full-band sound, thanks to Grady Sandlin's slow, deliberate drumming and guitarist/frontman Ryan Thomas Becker's marriage of classic rock and soul. I don't think I've heard a more affecting vocal performance in months. The next two acts were both offshoots of Matthew and the Arrogant Sea. MATAS drummer J. Gray got a full band together to sufficiently rock up his quiet, melancholy folk recordings. Then Caleb Gray (of MATAS) and Gavin Guthrie (of Florene) did their Verulf thing, which featured distorted guitars and vocal ahhhs that sound like they're coming from the bottom of a well. Captivating.
Here, In Arms (Friday at Prophet Bar):
After a weird and wonderful warm-up set from Denton's Ella Minnow (love the dude in the cape) and an issue-filled soundcheck, singer Brent Engel and his three bandmates in Here, In Arms played their part-Springsteen, part-Bright Eyes rock for a warm crowd. Fans of Brent's from when Here, In Arms was just him, a guitar and a laptop sung every word to reworked versions of "Cinema" and "We're All Going to Hell." The new, more balls-out arrangements to Engel's songs allow him to ham it up on stage like a real rock star, which is obviously why he likes the full-band setup better. As he should. See this band live next time it plays.
Here, In Arms, "Weekends and Holidays":
Happy Bullets at Re*Cov*Er Deep Ellum party (Saturday at Prophet Bar):
Not too much to say here. Jason Roberts, Tim Ruble and company played the fun, brassy art-rock from last album Vice & Virtue Ministry, as well as a few new ones that were surprisingly jangly. But I never have a bad time seeing these guys live. They know what they're doin'. The occasion? A celebration of the latest Deep Ellum mural contest, for which I was a judge. Visit fellow judge Cindy Chaffin to see videos from the awards ceremony and the Bullets' performance.
Black Tie Dynasty (Saturday at the Granada):
I went to check out the new music from forthcoming Black Tie CD Down Like Anyone, which the guys recently finished recording in Oak Cliff. The tunes I heard definitely have the same moody, retro-rock feel as the stuff from 2006's Movements, but lead singer Cory Watson is right about them sporting more intricate, unpredictable song structures. The biggest departure was a tune on which PPT's Picnic and Smile Smile's Jencey Hirunrusme helped out with vocals. That was pretty exciting. But the best moment for the impressively large crowd at the Granada? When Black Tie moved seamlessly from one of its first songs ever, "Crime Scene," to its local smash, "Tender." Dallas folks love them some BTD.
If you read today's Quick cover story on I Love Math, the alt-countryish band made up of three Deathray Davies members and the Old 97's drummer, you're no doubt looking to hear those songs we promised to play you.
I Love Math, "Some Bridges are for Burning" (original post):
Deathray Davies, "Safety Goggles and Headphones" (original post):
Got some free time tonight? Go to the Barley House around 7:30 to hear the new I Love Math CD and hang out with John Dufilho. Should be fun. Ain't no cover.
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