- {Explode into Colors}
After scoring the very last (no joke) free breakfast burrito at Club De Ville, I gave my attention to Explode into Colors, a Portland, Oregon-based all-girl three-piece with two drummers: one sits, one stands. Punctuated with yips and yelps, this band really lives up to their name with a sunny brand of serious lady rock, backed by a real powerhouse of a rhythm section. Members Klaudia Meza, Lisa Schonberg, and Heather Treadway have also played with Thunder!Thunder!Thunder!, Hornet Leg, and Japanther. They ripped through their half-hour set with furious energy that left them dripping sweat, even in the cool breeze that would forsake us later.
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- {The Shaky Hands }
The Shaky Hands drove for 38 hours from Portland, Oregon to play this day party, and I for one appreciated the effort. They kept the party's momentum going with special thanks to drummer Jake Morris of the Joggers, who became a permanent member this winter. Their scraggly appearance likens them more to a classic rock throwback than catchy power pop, but the latter would be a better way to describe their razor-sharp, messy, Kinks-y feeling. “Has anyone here been in transit for more than 64 hours? No? I win. In fact, I think I'm still in transit. That guy,” said the lead singer, pointing to the front row, “is definitely still in transit.”
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- {The Paper Chase }
The Paper Chase, based in Dallas, Texas, have somehow managed to make me think the phrases “This is most theatrical!” and “Are those people headbanging?” simultaneously. Aided by the creative use of a synthesizer, this band manages to create a mini-stage show within its set, evoking the sounds of sirens and very specific moods, by way of unpredictable melodic directions. Another word pops into my head: “Jazz?” Basically, I'm uncomfortable, and while this band is damn technically talented, I'm not sure if I dig it, though if creep-outs are your thing, you might be into it.
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- {Horse Feathers}
Horse Feathers ain't nonsense, actually. Portland is the city we love for this party, of course, and these kids represent it quite well with fiddle, cello, saw, acoustic guitar, mandolin, xylophone, and a smattering of drums. Folky and tranquil, I'm reminded of the live acts Garrison Keillor recruits for his long-running public radio variety show, A Prairie Home Companion. This is a compliment.
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- {Thao Nguyen with the Get Down Stay Down }
When I saw Thao Nguyen messing with her guitar on the side of the stage, I totally fangirled. Which was okay, because the fine ladies of Bitch were next to me doing the exact same thing. Taking off her monster sunglasses, Thao squinted at us and admitted that she and the Get Down Stay Down “haven't played in quite a while,” asking, “Are you guys gonna go check out that other band because they have better stamina?” referring to a ve-ry loud band playing outside down the street. Nguyen hails from San Francisco, and her infectious warble and boot-stomping style is a million times better live than on her already-excellent records. Watching her dance across the stage and interact with the band just completes the picture perfectly. She's totally irreverent, slightly drunk, and obviously brilliant; treating us to a brand-new song called “Body.” Note to the dude who THAT song was written about: watch your back.
