(all photos by Keith Klenowski)
Son Volt was in town last Friday night over at the Southgate House. Our live reviewer Mike was in attendance, and files this report.
Son Volt came through town in support of thier latest album American Central Dust, at the historic Southgate House in Newport, Kentucky. This was my second time at the venue this week, first DeerHunter/Dan Deacon/No Age, and now Son Volt. Both nights were equally crowded however the loud shoes and tight levi’s seemed to have been traded in for cowboy boots and western plaids…..there are so many scenes and scensters in Cincinnati it is hard to keep up.
Alt Country has made its way around to the masses again with bands such as The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Spindrift, and many others from the Philly psych scene; The Asteroid #4, The Sound of Kaleidascope, etc, joining in.
Alt Country/Rock pioneers Son Volt seem to have the sound down to a science. From the opening note to the end of the show, each song was played perfectly in tune, and with little abandon. I for one, have never been a fan of polished tunes and polished music, after all isnt it the simple tweaks and disturbances that make music so great? However I found myself tapping along and hanging on until the end of the show. The melodic vintage sounds of Son Volt’s take on music is overwhelming, and a joy to listen along to.
Aug 27, 2009I agree with BJM as being a psychedelic rock band, however, if you have seen them live at all in the past few years, you would agree. The progressive nature of their music is leading them more into an alt country genre.
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5:28 pm
Not a huge fan of Son Volt (although I’ve seen Jay Farrar solo), so I didn’t attend this. (Was at the Fiery Furnaces instead.)
I have to say I was quite surprised when I saw this statement in your review:
“Alt Country has made its way around to the masses again with bands such as The Brian Jonestown Massacre”
As a long-time fan of BJM, this is the first time I’ve seen anyone refer to them as being “alt-country”. I guess it all depends on what your definition of alt-country but I’d classify BJM more as “psychedelic rock”, if I had to slap a label on it.