concert review: Grand Lake, Yuck, Smith Westerns

Last night at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco, three midrange indie bands played their hearts' content to a packed crowd, as the show was completely sold out. Some was good, some was bad, and some was just plain melodic.

Grand Lake

All of the band's newer, soft songs have power on stage as lead singer Caleb Nichols has amazing stage presence, however, his stage banter was super humble as always. The band played mostly new songs from their forthcoming EP as well as one from their debut LP Blood Sea Dream ("Concrete Blonde on Blonde"...released by the brand new Hippies are Dead label, and previously on an EP). Grand Lake have had yet another line up change, and they're back to being a trio. Ex Port o Brien drummer Josh Barnhart is currently their drummer and John Pomeroy, who used to play drums for GL, is currently on bass and keys. They played two covers, including a heart wrenching version of "The Tourist" by Radiohead. Overall, a great set from one of the Bay Area's best local bands, even if they have relocated a few hours south.

Yuck

Spin heralded them as one of the best five bands of February, but at best they sound like an indie version of a power pop band a la The All American Rejects, acoustic songs interspersed and all. A few bearable riffs and the token chic on bass. "I could be your suicide on this one", the London frontman sang. Steer clear please.

Smith Westerns

The Chicago band was youthful and spirited, as the lead singer introduced "Dance Away" with "you should...fuck your girlfriend to this song". Somehow they sounded distorted and crisp at the same time. The vocals were confident, and the last part of "End of the Night" sounds a lot like 60's pop at its finest. The music is dreamy and feather light as well as melodic, and the band is not afraid to churn out a piercing Beatles-esque riff in nearly every song. They remind me a bit of MGMT at times, although substantially less weird. Do come out and see them.

band of the week: Smith Westerns

When was the last time a good indie band came out of Chicago? The lo-fi scene in particular has been dominated by kids from Brooklyn, LA, San Francisco and San Diego. But Smith Westerns are ready to change that once and for all, and radically alter your perception of what trippy lo-fi music can be. Going beyond MGMT in terms of psychedelia, Smith Westerns are like a more upbeat, Beatles-inspired Girls minus the Elvis Costello vox and rigidly melancholy stance. Fuzzy, skuzzy and carefree, the songs balance Kinks guitars with simply delightful keys revive the 60’s in all of its glory. Not yet old enough to drink legally, these boys really know what they're doing. Listen below and head out to a show!

Smith Westerns - Weekend [mp3, highly recommended!]

Smith Westerns - Dance Away [mp3]
from Dye it Blonde, their second LP which was released on Tuesday

Fri-Jan 28: Nashville, TN - The End*
Sat-Jan 29: Knoxville, TN - Pilot Light*
Sun-Jan 30: Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506*
Mon-Jan 31: Athens, GA - 40 Watt Club*
Tue-Feb 1: Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn*
Thu-Feb 3: Orlando, FL - Backbooth*
Fri-Feb 4: Tallahassee, FL - Club Downunder*
Sun-Feb 6: Houston, TX - Fitzgeralds*
Mon-Feb 7: Austin, TX - Emos*
Tue-Feb 8: Dallas, TX - The Loft*
Thu-Feb 10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room*
Fri-Feb 11: Los Angeles, CA - Echo*
Sat-Feb 12: Costa Mesa, CA - Detroit Bar*
Sun-Feb 13: San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill*
(they're also playing a free instore show at Amoeba SF on the 14th)
Tue-Feb 15: Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
Wed-Feb 16: Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Cabaret
Thu-Feb 17: Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe
Fri-Feb 18: Boise, ID - Neurolux
Sat-Feb 19: Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
Mon-Feb 21: Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
Tue-Feb 22: Kansas City, MO - The Record Bar
Wed-Feb 23: Omaha, NE - Waiting Room
Thu-Feb 24: Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock Social Club
Fri-Feb 25: Madison, WI - The Frequency
Sat-Feb 26: Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
Mon-Feb 28: Toronto, ON - Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
Tue-Mar 1: Montreal, PQ - La Sala Rossa
Wed-Mar 2: Boston, MA - Great Scott
Fri-Mar 4: Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel
^ = w/ MGMT
* = w/ Yuck

Smith Westerns on MYSPACE