Friday, June 28, 2013

A quick brush

It was off to Cafe DeKcuf for something a bit different Thursday night. I'd heard a bunch of people saying good things about the folk-pop duet Heathers, so I picked up a ticket a few days ago and wandered on over to see them, along with local openers Those Gulls and Peas & Carrots.

Or maybe that should just be Carrots (there's no Peas, I tell you ...) since one-hald of the duo, Michael Laing, was not about. Thus Samantha de Benedet did it all herself, after warning the crowd we might notice the missing portion.

Peas & Carrots at Cafe DeKcuf
Peas & Carrots at Cafe DeKcuf, June 27, 2013

Kazoo action! There was also much charming between-song banter.

Peas & Carrots at Cafe DeKcuf
Peas & Carrots at Cafe DeKcuf, June 27, 2013

On to Those Gulls. I've described them as post-punky, then rocking, and now they've headed in a more pop direction. All these changes aren't just due to my inability to write about music. Each show has featured a slightly different lineup, and this time around, in addition to new member Kate Schroder, they had Jake Ting on second guitar.

Those Gulls at Cafe DeKcuf
Those Gulls at Cafe DeKcuf, June 27, 2013

The above photo was taken during soundcheck. They turned the lights way down, so most of the photos taken during the set are a bit on the dark side.

Those Gulls at Cafe DeKcuf
Those Gulls at Cafe DeKcuf, June 27, 2013

Heathers showed up at Cafe DeKcuf with a stack of gear. Not only did they bring their own soundwoman, they brought their own soundboard. Somebody is obviously willing to lay out a stack of cash on their future, and why not? They have some dynamite harmonies and spin a very engaging line in the pop-folk vein.

Heathers at Cafe DeKcuf
Heathers at Cafe DeKcuf, June 27, 2013

There was also some nice between song banter about their love of Ethiopian food and their urge to try a beavertail (which they were glad to hear did not involve actual beaver parts). They covered Lana Del Rey's Summertime Sadness, as well.

Heathers at Cafe DeKcuf
Heathers at Cafe DeKcuf, June 27, 2013

A jolly show all 'round.

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