Sasquatch Lineup 7,8,9

#7 Pepper Rabbit



Very pretty lyrics that float along to a nice variety of instrumentals (they're prone to using anything from horns to the clarinet to the ukelele) Their melodies are a little bit of happy and depressed all at the same time. Not sure what to think of these guys. But I'm thinking they're mood-suitable so... not every day music for me personally... but maybe just right on a chill, rainy day or a calm spring drive. Either way, decent stuff. I may mosey over to their stage at Sasquatch if the schedule allows. Afterall, haunting howls are usually my thing and the Gorge might be just the place for this stuff.


Pre-Show Rating - 2.5 out of 4
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#8 Rebecca Gates and the Consortium



Hmmm... May need to do further research on this one. Can't find much of her newest released stuff. But according to her bio (http://parcematone.com/) she's had a very extensive career in several facets of music-making. I'll keep digging and get back to this one.

Pre-Show Rating: 2 out of 4


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#9 The Bronx



I was pleasantly surprised by these punksters and then not. I downloaded a bunch and found each song was either hot or cold for me. Liked "Knifeman", "White Guilt" and more of their more poppier-punk renditions. But not feelin' their other, more generic punk works such as "History's Strangers" and the like. But again, NOT my typical genre, to say the least. Unlikely to find me at this set next month.


Rating: 1.5 out of 4

Sasquatch Lineup 4,5,6...

#4 Head Like a Kite



I say WINNER! These boys are flamboyant but their beats are strong and the vocals are crisp and clever. I'm in. Downloading everything now. Also love that they're local and heavily promote the awesome music scene that is Seattle. Can't wait to watch their set at Sasquatch and eager to report on their stage antics and costumes. Which, I'm generally not a fan of (ask Flaming Lips) but, when in the rare case they're used with appropriate artistic taste and editing, they can serve to only further increase intrigue. Think this band is onto something unique and clearly catchy.

Pre-Show Rating - 3.5 out of 4
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#5 Talkdemonic



Eh. I appreciate the music for what it is; beautifully poetic harmonies and psychadellic-ly lovely instrumentals. I just wish there were some vocals to carry these tracks to fruition. These Portland natives are obviously talented and if there's time I'd definitely lounge on the grass at the Gorge and listen to this duo perform.


Pre-Show Rating: 3 out of 4


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#6 White Arrows



This 2 man band seems to have an ecclectic sense of personal style. I couldn't decide which video to showcase... they all express a different sound, vibe and artistic quality. Chose this one for its display of their vocals (which remind me of the White Stripes) but also really liked "Save Me a Place" for the lyrics (not the creepy crab collecting pearls vid). Wonder what their onstage presence will add to their music? We will see.

Rating: 3 out of 4

Sasquatch [Bands 1, 2, 3...]

#1



This band's sound is not really "MY" sound per say but they definitely have a good vibe to them. I like the water-logged, meloncholy feel to most of their stuff but wish they had more lyrics to pull you in. (As found in their "Between Two Points" featuring Swan) I guess I don't mind mulling around with this droning in the background but several of their songs take too long to build up and lose my interest quickly. Guess I'm just not as into synthesizers as some but it should make for some decent soundtracks or background tunes at a yoga studio...

Pre-Show Rating - 2 out of 4
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#2



Whoa! Blast from the past. A lot of nostalgic vibes in this guy's stuff. I respect him for the length of his career and gradual transition in sound but.... still too reminiscent for me of mid 90's alternative guitar riffs which (for reason) have long since been put to rest. The lyrics are often very eloquent and sentimental. However, for me personally they're clouded by melody and hard to extract. Not my scene.


Pre-Show Rating: 1 out of 4


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#3



Yesss! They had me at the twangy intro on this one and the deal might of closed when I saw that mount in the video. [inside ref] (Preface- my taste tends to sway to both ends of the spectrum... leaning towards inherently happy pop beats or overly sad sentimental howls) That being said... I really like this group and instantly enjoyed their subtle pop hooks and harmonic crooning. Will definitely add them to my Sasquatch schedule and look forward to see what their energy is like on stage.

Rating: 3.5 out of 4