by Adam McGrath
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister (photo credit, Adam McGrath)
A friendly family vibe flowed through the crowd at Johnny Brenda’s Thursday night, as Los Angeles folk rockers He’s My Brother She’s My Sister demonstrated their own version of sibling affection during an upbeat and entertaining set. The eclectic ensemble delighted in the healthy size and energy of the audience, and got fans moving with a selection of tracks off the 2012 album Nobody Dances in This Town, a title that did not apply at this show.
Singer and guitarist Robert Kolar led his merry band with a flourish, clad in a beflowered top hat and patterned shirt and jacket that soon loosened with the heat of the performance. His sister Rachel, glowing and pregnant in a floor-length dress, bolstered Robert’s vocals while jangling maracas and a tambourine. Familial love poured from Robert’s face as he shared the exciting prospect of becoming an uncle, and the moment was made more perfect when two longtime fans presented Rachel with a Philadelphia onesie for the expected bundle of joy.
The set was filled with these feel-good moments, from the opening cuts “Let’s Go” and “Coattails” through a cover of the Mamas and the Papas “Straight Shooter” and the delightful “Clackin’ Heels,” which featured drummer Lauren Brown tap-dancing on a modified bass drum. Brown’s go-go getup and standing position lent a groovy flair to the band’s rhythm section. Add bass player Oliver Newell’s psychedelic upright electric bass and eyeliner glitter, and you’ll get an idea of the band’s colorful cast.
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister (photo credit, Adam McGrath)
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister’s sound receives a country punch from Ryan Richter’s lap steel guitar, the body of which was hand-crafted by Richter and a friend. The group turned things up with crowd favorites “Electric Love,” “Touch the Lightning,” and “The Same Old Ground.” Lasers flashed and hands flew into the air as the band swirled through “Tales That I Tell.” Encore song “How’m I Gonna Get Back Home” didn’t worry anyone, as everyone in the room was right where they needed to be.
The warm feelings weren’t just contained to the headlining act, though. He’s My Brother She’s My Sister brought up the three gentlemen from opener Song Preservation Society to help out with a few songs, and the guys lent their sweet three-part harmonies to great effect. Song Preservation Society brings the simple pleasures of ’60s folk rock into the modern era, using innate vocal talent and precise guitar skills to soothe the most riotous inner beast. The six-song opening set featured tracks from the band’s EP, including “You Can’t Stop Me From Tryin’,” “Stars,” and “Love Me Like She Did.”
Song Preservation Society (photo credit, Adam McGrath)
Oliver and Ryan from HMBSMS helped the fellas out on “The Searcher” and (I think) “Circus.” Additional instrumentation appeared in the form of a mandolin, wielded comfortably by Trevor Bahnson, who was later serenaded by the crowd in celebration of his birthday. It was a nice warm-up for what would soon turn into a dynamic evening.
Caught A Ghost was a perfect second act, as their energy level swelled along with the audience. Fronted by songwriter Jesse Nolan, the band takes a page from LA neighbors Fitz and the Tantrums, mixing neo-soul and electronica, punctuated by a jazzy baritone sax.
Caught A Ghost (photo credit, Adam McGrath)
Nolan was fashionable in a tight gray suit and a slicked-back shock of hair, and moved around the stage with a purpose. His enthusiasm was echoed by the rest of the band, including singer Tessa Thompson, who looked smart in bright pants, sexy heels, and bouncy brown curls. The group worked through standout tracks like “Sleeping at Night,” “Connected,” and “Relentless,” engaging the crowd to let loose. By the time they reached “No Sugar in My Coffee” and asked the audience to “Get Louder,” Caught a Ghost had the room primed for more.
It’s been some time since I’ve seen such an impressive triple bill. The blend and balance of Song Preservation Society, Caught a Ghost, and He’s My Brother She’s My Sister made for an excellent evening of music, and there’s no doubt the fuzzy feelings will continue with these groups.
