Live Review by Tony Newton

What no booze? Chairs? Why is everybody sitting down at a rock show? Oh yeah, this is indie-rock, in an all ages environment…this type of show resembles chocolate pudding at recess. I felt relieved sliding my haggard old torso onto a chair and slipping into the dark corner, avoiding the inevitable “please stand up” call. Why should I stand when you put out 30 chairs? The promoters obviously want us to sit down. Most of the lazy crowd agreed with this philosophy and if unable to procure a seat, hastily plopped themselves onto The Video Inn’s spotless floor

A trio from Portland Oregon, Ghost to Falco, set the theme for the night with mellow indie-rock that sways from quiet vagueness to explosive noise. The vocalist/guitarist creates eerie soundscapes with his minimalist guitar and deep winded, folksy vocals. I especially appreciated their dynamic basslines, more so when layered in thick distortion during the occasional rowdy moment.

Yukon played a set of dreamy, brooding yet uplifting tunes that are driven by two male singer/songwriters. They would trade off throughout the set, switching instruments and occasionally banging out riffs on their accordion-like thingy. They had several technical difficulties and apologized for every mistake, which got annoying because no one gave a shit. Ever hear The Smiths apologize? Nope. The songs were good, reminded me of Tom Waits first record.

The highlight of my night was The Winks; a local 3 piece mandolin, cello and drum combo. They were so damn cute you could just kill them, pull them together and squeeze till dead. The celloist/vocalist, during one terribly cute number--while gazing shyly at the floor--squeaked that she hand-made her Sesame Street themed dress that very day to “keep people happy during rainy nights like this one,” and baam; she busts out a Bettie Boop tap dance. The crowd was all like, “Aaaawwwww.” I almost expected mass huggings, but we were too comfy in our chairs. That being said I really enjoyed the Winks; their songs are extremely well composed and they have great stage presence.

Thanksgiving featured the bassist of Ghosts to Falco. Although in the same genre of indie- rock, the two sound Dissimilar. Thanksgiving are poppier than Ghost to Falco. They were also the only act to encourage the crowd to get up and dance, which the kids took to with enthusiasm…those enthusiastic enough to wake up anyway (there were actually several people sleeping). It was a nice change of pace to hang out with some well mannered kids instead of rowdy drunks, for one night anyway.

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