Music like the music that Ezra Bell makes is living proof that not all musicians need to hide behind heavy effects: fuzz, distortion, reverb, and even auto-tune to make music that people really enjoy listening to, and that was very apparent at their EP release last Wednesday. They played alongside the Bevelers and Fanno Creek, gracing Mississippi Studios with some deeply beautiful, danceable and heartfelt tunes.

The Bevelers played first as the crowd filtered in, and although the two-piece group has a soft demeanor, it was impossible not to pay attention. The foundation of their whole set is their two beautiful voices creating harmonies so sad and lovely at the same time that you want to get lost in the world that their voices create.

Ezra Bell played second in the evening when attendance was at its peak, kicking off their set with a few familiar songs. Ezra Bell is such a complex machinery of humans and instruments and it seems like having 7 people on stage, something shouldn’t work about their set-up. But everything works. Their music is complicated yet not cacophonous, focusing more on interesting sound pairings than everyone fighting for focus. Even the bass and drums took turns being the lead rhythmic force of a song, which felt uncommon, but was just one of many facets of their music that sets them apart from other folk-pop bands around Portland and beyond.

The audience at Mississippi Studios was stoked to see them, cheering loudly between songs and singing along with their older music, which sounds every bit as tight as their recordings. It’s rare that a local band can get an entire audience to dance along rather than stand stoically, arms crossed, but it’s really hard not to dance when you listen to them.

Fanno Creek ended the night with a surfier, and less folk influenced set by comparison. Ezra Bell was the ideal middle point between Fanno Creek and the Bevelers because unlike the previous bands, Fanno Creek is heavier and more bluesy. They were the perfect choice to end the night though, because, despite a big chunk of the audience leaving, those who stayed were ready to dance and Fanno Creek is dance-y as hell.

Together, all three bands were a match made in lineup heaven, giving the crowd a solid range of folk and pop music to groove along to all night long. You can check out Ezra Bell’s new EP, We Came by Canoe here:

- Photos and story by Sarah Eaton

Thursday, June 5th, Alameda play at Mississippi Studios celebrating the release of their Live From the Banana Stand album! The band admits that they’ve been “holed up” prepping new material and recording, which means we’re about to witness a mass exodus of pure, pent-up creative energy… you’ll want to see this.

Banana Stand Media is an underground house venue/recording space/record label, known for their epically intimate live recorded and filmed shows, and their resulting live albums and video content. Alameda’s own front-person Stirling Myles referred to Banana Stand as simply “too good to be true,” referencing this upcoming release as “a document of a special moment.”

About Alameda: I would refer to them fondly as “dense folk.” Their list of influences is vast, ranging from “epic metal, noise and hardcore to jazz and pop,” all channeled into incredibly dynamic, orchestral folk tunes with sweeping strings and even a clarinet in the mix. They’ll share the stage at Mississippi Studios Thursday with fellow local folk acts Balto and Bevelers. In preparation for the show, Check out the video of Alameda playing "Little Lives" from their performance at Banana Stand. 

- Ted Jamison*

Besides the loads of raw musical talent, there’s nothing ultra-fancy about this event; which is exactly how an event celebrating the art of two-piece rock and roll should be. Duofest brings together some of the best power duos that Portland has to offer. Headlined by the root driven and blues heavy Hopeless Jack & the Handsome Devil, Kelly’s Olympian will be packed with the kind of heavy rock you need to hear to cure the bitterness of this winter weather. Starting the show is the guitar thriving soulful blend known as the Yes-And Band who will be followed by the acoustic and folk rock melodies of Bevelers. After that Machine will take the stage and showcase lead vocalist Madeline’s blissful, harmonizing singing behind beautiful songwriting. And before HJ & HD the Deli Portland’s October artist of the month winners, Bear & Moose will bring their alternative rock to the right place. Come to Kelly’s on Saturday to find out just how much sound two people can make. - Colin Hudson

Bevelers write the kind of quiet, soulful music that can draw even the most jaded listener into a peaceful daydream. Their minimal instrumentation, enchanting harmonies and endearing demeanor can silence any room and display a mature understanding of the nuances of acoustic music. This quality, in combination with the strength of their live performance has brought them recognition from Portland’s music community and lead them to the release of Be Your Own Creature, their full length debut. They’ll be celebrating the release this Saturday night at The Blue Monk alongside the indie-folk jams of Future Historians and Mike Coykendall’s prolific and original voice. Be there for what’s sure to be a stunning performance. -Benjamin Toledo