“Earth to Ballard, Come in Ballard”
By Derek “Bagel” York
Ballard is home to Earth on Tuesday, August 2.
The band arrived on my radar the other day when my friend Wesley picked up their latest release, Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light, on our visit to Everyday Music in Capitol Hill.
He was surprised that I didn’t know the band, or the sad connection of Earth’s main man, Dylan Carlson, to Kurt Cobain. I have since read up on Carlson’s past issues, his rotating cast of band members, and the shotgun made famous as Cobain’s method of ending his life. Despite all that tragedy and notoriety in the past, Carlson’s new album is excellent.
Wesley described Earth as “patient” and from the opening phrases of the first track “Old Black” I knew exactly what he meant. The slow drive guitar riffs, lamenting cello, and restrained drums weave a groove-drone; I was instantly hooked. The album is a dark, winding road of gorgeous textures and “patient” progressions.
I was ecstatic to see that my new favorite is playing the Tractor Tavern on Tuesday. It looks to be a night of unique Northwest sounds.
Seattle’s Tiny Vipers, a Sub Pop act, brings some ambient acoustic light before Earth casts its darkness over Ballard.
Olympia-by way of France artist Angelo Spencer et les Hauts Sommets opening up makes being punctual very important. Based solely on their web content, they seem to have a vibe that is fun and infectious.
This will be my first time seeing all three of the bands, and my hopes are high, as the potential for an epic evening of rare musical talent is at hand.
If you can’t make it to the show, follow along at twitter.com/nadamucho.
Earth, Tiny Vipers, & Angelo Spencer et les Hauts Sommets @ The Tractor Tavern, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011 9pm, $12 BUY TICKETS