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I wonder if I'll ever say, write, or type "September 11" without this feeling again.
Everyone at the show tonight, of course, has to acknowledge this most un-festive of occasions, but we're here to rock, and rock we will. This is part of The Rising Tide series, presented by Anngelle Wood of WFNX. Eileen Rose and her band are playing when I arrive--a bit of a shame, as I have apparently missed amusia entirely. Eileen and her band are okay, but her songs are a bit country-folky for my tastes, and I find I really dislike her voice. There's something nasal and flat about it, flat not in pitch but in timbre. But the songs themselves are pretty, the band are skilled, and when they leave the stage and Ms. Rose plays the last song solo-acoustic, I think it works a little better in this setting.
Starr Faithfull has got the music in her. And it's tryin' to get out! It's tryin' to get out! Her voice is a fabulous screaming, growling thing, and her guitar playing is serious virtuosa stuff. There are also a bassist and a drummer, and in fact both play creatively and well and sing good backup, but I find myself forgetting that they're on stage. She's that captivating. The songs themselves are really kind of simple and straightforward, and I think that they wouldn't particularly grab me if there weren't this force of nature singing them and playing kick-ass soloes. But there is!
Finally, Fritter play to a dwindling crowd, as it's a school night and the T is closing. Their streak is unbroken: I've still never seen these songs played by the same lineup twice. Elizabeth Steen's voice is pleasingly gruff tonight, kind of soft and furry. Peter Moore is singing harmony, and I love the way their voices blend. They seem a little under-rehearsed at one or two points, studying cheat-sheets in mid-song, and Elizabeth complains of technical difficulties, but musicians this good can wing it in style, and the small crowd is appreciative.
