Popular indie music blog Gorilla vs. Bear and music video innovators Yours Truly joined forces Wednesday night to host a live show with a couple of emerging artists. The show, which took place at The Independent in San Francisco, featured Keep Shelly in Athens. This show was a part of Keep Shelly in Athens’ first American tour and followed up their performance at Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest. I recently discovered the impressive ambient sounds of this duo from Athens, Greece through the recent release of their debut EP Our Own Dream.

Prior to Sarah P (vocals) taking the stage, her producer (RPR) as well as her touring drummer and guitarist were already filling the air with memorizing sounds.

Keep Shelly in Athens makes music that would be perfectly paired with a long drive down the Pacific Coast Highway while watching the sun rise and fall over the the ocean. The opening track off of the EP, “Lazy Noon,” was the smoothest song of the night. It started off with the sounds of crashing waves and picked up with a smooth beat along with soothing vocals. Without any visuals being played at this very organic show, it was nearly impossible to avoid closing my eyes and drifting away.

Entering into the EP title track “Our Own Dream” was intense as the dreamy vocals of Sarah P. blended in and out of the haunting sounds produced by RPR. This was a nice contrast to the many warm, easy listening songs that were played over the night. Nearing the end of the set, RPR and the drummer left the stage to Sarah P and guitarist for a couple of songs. This was great because at times it was easy to lose Sarah P’s vocals in midst of all of the other sounds that were being produced. I was really impressed by the performance and am looking forward to hearing a full-length release.

L.A. band Kisses opened up the night and played their blend of dance music in fashion similar to San Francisco band Painted Palms. Their appearance and interaction with the audience was very rigid, but the music was able to overshadow the awkwardness. The best part of the set was their performance of their song “Bermuda” which caused the crowd to move all around the dance floor.

Stay connected with Keep Shelly in Athens on Facebook and at their Blogspot

You can also catch them at one of their upcoming shows:

11/11 – Chop Suey Seattle, Washington – 8:00 PM

11/12 – Waldorf Hotel Vancouver, British Co, Canada – 8:00 PM

11/14 – Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL – 8:00 PM

11/16 – Wrongbar Toronto, ON, Canada – 8:00 PM

11/17 – Brighton Music Hall Allston, MA – 8:00 PM

11/18 – Bowery Ballroom New York, NY – 8:30 PM

See more live reviews here.