Earsltown Winter, Abramsom Singers & El Dorado
May 20, 2010
Wise Hall, Vancouver, B.C

After what started—and later ended—as one of the sickest, most stressful weeks in recent memory, I ensured to fulfill my commitment to check out Vancouver’s Earlstown Winter at Wise Hall, this past Thursday.  Personal issues aside—I’d recently become a big fan of their work and was excited for the show.  I’d been shipped fifty copies of 2006’s Easy Roads, Easy Skies thanks to the kind folks here at Steamroller.  I cabbed from the train station to ensure I arrived in the nick of time, and it’s a good thing I opted for it.

The title track from said album started moments after I entered the familiar venue.  The room was fairly empty which presumably attributed to the boomy, echo of the band before me.  As a few more patrons filled the gaps, combined with some engineering, things tightened up well enough.

A steel lap guitar was an eloquent addition at various points but specifically during a favorite tune “Come Back to Bed.”  Thunderous drum sounds were prevalent throughout as well, though most notably on “Porch Lights,” the title track from their new EP.  Adam later explained to me that it’s an old, temperamental 50’s style kit.  Well, it sounded great, despite its alleged shaky characteristics.

John snickered as he pointed out that the bass guitar’s monitor had sports radio bleeding through it.  He seemed unaware of the state of the NHL playoffs when he asked the crowd “Is hockey done?” I was comforted knowing I’m not the only one who’s decidedly ignorant to such things.  Beyond that, John’s lyrics also offer a personal connection themselves; the subject of heartache, booze and blues have been reoccurring themes with yours truly.  These days, some more than others.

Twangy, delectable Fender Jaguar leads guided the groove and grace of a new upbeat tune entitled “Time Will Run Away.”  While the change of pace provided a decent variance in style, as did its optimistic candor—the sad, hard luck tales are what I crave most from the folk-country four-piece.  They left me with just that as “Been Drinking” finalized their set.

All in all, it was great to see a band that I’ve just recently become a fan of.  The short, opening set only left me needing more.  I will be in their company again soon, as they have a staple appearance at Café Montemarte.  We hope to see you all there June 8^th, upon their return.

A quaint, intriguing woman I saw in the crowd only moments ago assembled her guitar along side a gent who did the same.  Two voices and two guitars tonight made up Abramson Singers.  Laura’s sharp voice pleasantly reminded me of a lady somewhere between Dolores O’Riordan and Zoey Deschannel.  The style itself was mellow and the lyrics were rather poetic.  The words “Bring my body a net / Bring my body the strength to come down” were particularly moving.  She offered a free download card to whoever could name the poet who wrote the following tune.  I did not get the card.

Calling on people to dance worked a little wonder as the spunky gal who greeted me at the entrance grabbed a friend and tore up the hardwood, while a couple others joined on in.  Their lullaby “Truckers Prayer” provided insight to some of the people with whom they connect or appreciate.  For me, the overall mood was fitting as it was delightful, yet closing with a tune about an East Van poultry factory nearby—and its stench—offered some humour to their melodramatic craft.  Abramson Singers play again June 3 at Princeton Pub.

Unsure if I’d be able to stay for the following act El Dorado, I kept truckin’, intrigued by the badass lookin’ cowboy Nenad, wearing Costello style glasses and the little lady Angela to his left.  The two had greeted me with smiles early on, prior to my realization of their involvement in any particular act.  Elements of Texan flavoured rockabilly wet my appetite with Michael’s pedal steel guitar on “Tex Mex”.  Lynn sat, immobile due to foot injury but delivered his bass lines right on time.

Perhaps my recent attraction to Linda Rondstad drew the vocal comparisons that I conjured as I heard such a strong voice from such a lil’ gal.  Her and her cowboy beau’s duet “Denial” was the evening’s kicker for me.  “It’ll catch up with you at the end / feel real,” she sang before passing the duty to her right.  “Don’t feel for me dear / Don’t worry / Don’t waste your tears / I’ll travel on” and later “Well, if it hurts you, that’s just fine / I’ll travel on” he sang.  Tunes like this are not only what makes country music great but a reminder how great a simple contrast between male and female voices can move both mountains and hearts alike.

“Denial” live at The Biltmore Cabaret

Angela expected a stronger crowd response when she sought out other Tom Petty devotees as she cooked up “Won’t Back Down” with a mesquite marinade.  A familiar fare with a tasty twist.  All great fun came to end as the Gretcsh guitar infused “Suitcase” took it on home.  Take out your finest dress, your burly counterpart or come solo to The Anza Club on June 10 if your heart’s a mess.  It’ll do ya some good.

“Suitcase” music video

Visit these artists online:

Earlstown Winter: myspace.com/earlstownwinter
Abramson Singers: myspace.com/leahabramson
El Dorado: myspace.com/theeldorado
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