Church effortlessly spins daydream-like lyrical tales complete with swooping cathartic music. “Wicked Blood,” off the bands recently released second LP, White Water, White Bloom, had the crowd bouncing along and there were even some in full cowboy attire, the museum coming to life and I wondered when Sacajawea was going to make an appearance.

Songs from their strong EP, Get to the River Before it Runs to Low, included “I Made A Resolution,” which builds from simple chord strumming to orchestral pop with the sing-along “Shake us free, Shake us free.”

The band embraced irony, pulling out b-side “Fighting Bull’ to ensure the Western motif was swinging and big shadows on the high-walls were like campfire stories being told to the small. Were Cellos part of the Wild West? For Sea Wolf the cello is the extra whiskey shot after a long day on the range. Cello, organ sounds, and electric guitar add layers to the deceptively simple yet well crafted songs rooted in folk. The Autry evening made clear that live music can find a place anywhere, set-up your drum and amps and throw a party. The big room with high ceilings reverberated nicely. The band was at crowd level and could not be seen except from the front row, on some steps or the level above. The set included a loss of power and when the band tried getting it going again there were some starts and stops until someone in the band said, “We didn’t rehearse for power outages.” Other than basket weaving displays and beautiful tiled floors, the relaxed atmosphere had flashbacks of an Aaron Records parking lot show or more aptly a Sea Level in-store.

The band tried to do the standard break before an encore, but cut it short as they realized they were just standing in the corner with everyone staring at them. “You’re A Wolf” was then delivered, yet not content for it to be the finale, they pulled out unreleased “The Promise,” which was an appropriate ending to a night from a band with plenty.

—Erik Ehlert

Just in case there wasn’t already enough reason to support this effort:

We just added Band Of Horses and Sea Wolf to the bill that already includes Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Shirley Manson, Tom Gabel (Against Me!), Jarrod Gorbel (The Honorary Title), Charlotte Martin, Butch Walker and Songs for Kids. They will all be playing acoustic and semi-acoustic sets to raise funds for pediatric cancer research and treatment.

The evening will be dedicated to celebrating the triumphant return of Jeff Castelaz, co-founder of Dangerbird Records, who is currently pedaling his way across the country on a bicycle in order to raise awareness and funds for the Pablove Foundation. Castelaz’s pilgrimage is deeply rooted: he’s riding in honor and remembrance of his 6-year old son, Pablo Thrailkill Castelaz, whose individual fight with cancer ended June 27, 2009 after a 13-month battle. The Pablove Foundation was founded by Castelaz and his wife Jo Ann Thrailkill at the onset of their son’s diagnosis.

PABLOVE.ORG

JENNIFER FURCHES “Kentucky” from dublab on Vimeo.

dublab is excited to share the next installment of the VisionVersion film series. This live performance from Jennifer Furches was filmed on an idyllic sunset hilltop in Elysian Park . dublab is proud to offer streaming and free downloads at dublab.com/visionversion
Jennifer Furches of Spring Summer, is a talented singer/guitar player/violinist from Winston-Salem, NC who now resides in Los Angeles.  She sometimes lends her violin talents to bands such as Sea Wolf, Patrick Park, Coconut Records, and Cass McCombs.  Her highly anticipated debut album is finally finished!  Please check it out at  springsummermusic.com.

Okkervil River “For Real”

Lady Tigra / Hard Place / The Bird and Bee + more @ Spaceland (Obama Fund Raiser)
Okkervil River / Sea Wolf @ Fonda
Bill Going Away @ Que Sera
Harry Merry @ Hyperion Tavern
Chino XL @ Safari Sams
Mas Exitos !!! @ Bar Verdugo (intl psych club)
LA OLD SCHOOL @ Cinefamily