What's Up! Magazine

Up and coming Anacortes trio Cumulus opened the Department of Safety show, the night of Sept. 22, led by singer-guitarist Alex Niedzialkowski, and a lineup bolstered by the addition of cello-extraordinaire Anna Arvan (I Love You Avalanche) and drummer Peter Woiwood (of Go Slowpoke fame). Their seven-song set was short but sweet, showcasing gooey folk-pop confections and their choruses of ‘ohs’ sung in perfect harmony. Highlights of their set included a gorgeously arranged rendition of “Get Close,” followed by the stripped down ballad “Morning Coffee.”

Southern California’s Avi Buffalo were kind enough to tour north with their own atmospheric take on melancholy indie rock. Held together by a tightly synchronized rhythm section, I enjoyed their catchy, poignant songs about love, or lack thereof. I was also really into the guitar work, though open tuned and vintage sounding, there was an air of experimentation about it – twinkling, looping, and layering on itself, fuzzing out, and repeating. Since this was my first time seeing them, I don’t know the names of songs to recommend, but I can say they’re a band worth seeing next time they come to town.

Third was Baltimore duo and headliner Beach House. Though slightly reminiscent of the early 90′s dream pop band Mazzy Star, singer Victoria Legrand’s voice was fascinating, her ethereal, world-weary vocals both delicate and fiercely passionate. Playing mostly cuts from their fantastic 2008 album Devotion, their juggernaut of a single ‘Gila’ sounded particularly epic. With the reverbed-soaked guitar echoing around the room, the band created dreamy and hypnotic soundscapes while the bass and organ rumbled within my chest.

All in all, it was a good show put on by three really good bands, so check them out sometime. Also to note: the D.O.S. has been putting on some really consistent shows, concerts worth a lot more than the $8 it costs to get in. If you’re interested, go to Why? / Mt. Eerie / No Age / The Oregon Donor on Oct. 13.