I know, I know. A dream come true? Could I be any cheesier? Yes, I could. Sofar Sounds? More like, Sofar (ast)ounds!
Before I get into why the January edition of the pop-up shows ruled. Catch up on the ins-and-outs of the Sofar Movement with Dean Davis and Eric Shea (two of the Boston chapter’s curators) HERE.
Thursday’s gig took place in an apartment complex in Fort Point. These shows run on a donation basis so after trekking through the bitter winds, I happily dropped $10 into a plastic pitcher and descended into the warmth of the Sofar-world.
I immediately felt an unspoken comradery amongst the room. Maybe it was something about the hand painted Boston skyline backdrop, the paper mache moon, or the twinkling Christmas lights…but something about the Sofar-vibe got an introvert like me striking up conversations with strangers left and right.
Considering the nature of the movement, you know that everyone around you seeked the opportunity out.
Who are you going to meet at a Sofar gig? Writers, musicians, the booking agent from your favorite local club, who knows. But a love for discovering the new and supporting talented Bostonians is universal in this room.
My eyes lit up grabbing a flyer stacked by the entrance: The Ballroom Thieves, Grey Season, and Moe Pope. I happily popped a cork, poured a glass, and nestled a spot on the floor by the front of the stage.
First up were The Ballroom Thieves. Having seen their name buzzing around Boston, I was ecstatic to see them this up-close and personal. The Ballroom Thieves are so full of life, there’s no other way to put it. Martin Early (guitar), Devin Mauch (percussion), and Calin Peters (cello) pack in twice the energy, strength, and hearty vocals than any three-piece logically should. I couldn’t help but hand drum on my legs throughout the whole set.
Think of The Ballroom Thieves as the soulfulness of The Civil Wars, vocals akin to Dallas Green, and the playfulness of Lord Huron. Stand out tracks: “Vampires,” “Brother,” and “Coward’s Son.”
Next up, Grey Season was a dose of Newport Folk Fest in January. Self described as “stinky rock n roll, timeless folk” – the group formed in 2012 and has been circulating the Boston undercurrents ever since. Grey Season has garnered a reputation for drawing crowds when busking. For those who have stumbled upon the band walking to and fro around town, I am infinitely jealous. But my exposure to the band via Sofar is a close runner-up. Grey Season is a mashup of folk, rock, bluegrass, and giggling. Just take a look at their recent thank-you video on Kickstarter (word is the first full length LP is in the works), Grey Season is an endearing and blissful bunch. Stand out tracks: “New Kind Of Dirty” and “The Winter That Wasn’t.”
Sofar took us for a sharp left turn at the end of the night with Moe Pope. Banjos traded for keyboards and harmonies for tight verses. 2013 was a big year for Moe Pope from releasing his latest album Let The Right Ones In, to performing at The Dig’s annual award show, to winning Hip-Hop Artist of the Year at the BMA’s. While the change of pace made sense, I couldn’t help but notice a shift in the atmosphere. For most of the evening, the first few rows sat criss-cross-applesauce so to accommodate everyone’s view in the small space. Suddenly everyone was standing and not quite giving Moe Pope the energy to feed off of that he’s used to. Moe Pope definitely holds some indie rock influences and the transition was semi-smoothed by an A+ accompaniment by Liam Buell on violin. Moe Pope didn’t disappoint, and I hope we didn’t disappoint him. Stand out tracks: “What You Need,” “Rock Me,” and “Banana Bread.”
3 Pointers:
- After you sign up for the mailing list, keep an eye on that pesky “promotions” tab in GMail. Your Sofar invite might get lost in there.
- There is typically going to be a waitlist and you don’t want to be on it! Get your RSVP in promptly.
- Whenever there is a Sofar within your means, you must go. You. Must. Go.
Don’t forget that Sofar Sounds is bringing this shows monthly. Support the movement, meet new folks, and rediscover the countless gems in our local scene. Bring it in February, Sofar – we’re ready.
