What's Up! Magazine

First off, I want to say that I was impressed by Teo Crider when I reviewed his EP Songs last year. Since then I’d been meaning to see his band Candysound live around town. The show at the Anker Cafe was my first chance at finally seeing them perform, and the two-man band didn’t disappoint.

Both Teo (guitar/vocals) and Tom (drums/vocals) pack a lot of punch with such a small set-up. Their indie pop sound is reminiscent of Pinback with its ethereal guitar and the vocals remind me of a pop-punk Radiohead; alt-crooning with a little edge. Plus, the coffee shop definitely granted a more intimate performance. You could notice all of the band’s subtleties from the small size of the venue. I could see Candysound becoming even more successful… and soon.

The duo is young, both are under 21. This qualified them for a slot in EMP’s Sound Off! competition, which will take place at the EMP Skychurch on Feb. 13. It’s an accomplishment shared by Bellingham’s Pan Pan as well.

Maple Nightingale came next. She had a real delicate manner about her, which was emphasized by her lighter-than-air voice. Playing a strictly acoustic show, Maple did a couple gorgeous covers which included a Regina Spektor song and Karen O and the Kids’ “All Is Love” off the “Where The Wild Things Are” soundtrack.

As I was leaving the Anker Cafe, I let Teo and Tom know that they played a great show. But before I left, Teo stopped me. “I want you to put in the magazine that Maple has the best voice ever,” said Teo, “actually, put ‘in the universe.’”