Seattle – Every now and then, a band comes along to remind us why we fell in love with good old-fashioned rock and roll. On Wednesday night, those at The Crocodile in Seattle were treated to two such bands, with echoes of Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, and The Band.
True to their Texas roots, Austin’s Jamestown Revival kicked off the night with a whiskey-slingin’, foot-stompin’, hootin’n'hollerin’ performance. As BestNewBands.com writer Ian Joulain noted, “their heartfelt Southern style and hints of Longhorn twang harkens to sounds of yesteryear,” which was highlighted during songs like “Fur Coat Blues.” Jangly guitar and tight harmonies were reminiscent of another Revival, by the name of Creedence Clearwater.
The guys invited The Wild Feathers’ Preston Wimberly onstage to play pedal steel on “Revival” and “Golden Age.” After about a month of touring with each other, the musical chemistry was natural between the band members.
As each song progressed, more and more audience members joined in stomping their feet and whooping with joy. And since they’ve been gaining attention over the past few months, many at The Crocodile were familiar with their songs.
“Does anyone have a song they want to hear?” Jonathan Clay asked. From around the room came shouts of “California!” and Clay jumped into the opening chords.
Closing their set with “Trouble Is” (which does not appear on their debut album Utah) Jamestown Revival had transformed the room into a raucous tavern ready to keep having a grand ole’ time with the headlining act.
The Wild Feathers took the stage and drummer Ben Dumas yelled out the count. Immediately, the audience felt a throwback to Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks” with the heavy guitar sound. Rollicking melodies and intense drums carried into “Backwoods Company,” and The Crocodile was filled with an intense rock atmosphere.
The band skillfully handled slower tunes like “If You Don’t Love Me” with graceful harmonies and simple guitar playing, a nice balance to their opening songs. The Wild Feathers also showcased their multiple singing capabilities by passing the lead vocals around on “Hard Times.”
Near the end of the show, guitarist and vocalist Ricky Young says, “We’re gonna bring a little Nashville to Seattle,” and leaps into “Kitchen Breeze,” a song “written in your boxers when you’re hung-over.” With Young’s twang, simple harmonies, and Wimberly’s pedal steel, the audience certainly felt the Tennessee flavor.
After the closing song, The Crocodile wasn’t done with The Wild Feathers just yet. Hollering for an encore, the band popped back onstage for two excellent covers of songs from their influential groups – Led Zeppelin’s “Hey Hey What Can I Do” and The Band’s “The Weight,” the latter on which Jamestown Revival joined.
Both groups showed what a Southern twist can do for reviving that wild rock and roll, and will continue to do so on their tour for the next few months.
Video by Lively Music
Caitlin Peterkin
With degrees in journalism and music, Caitlin’s written for Paste Magazine, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and MajoringinMusic.com. She loves cheese, laughing at GIFs of corgis, road trip sing-alongs, and connecting with people over good beer and good music.
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