Seattle – Tractor Tavern was filled with folk pop-rock, thanks to North Carolina’s Matrimony and California’s Run River North.
Matrimony, a family band from Charlotte, brought their headline act to the stage with Americana-tinged harmonies, soaring choruses, jangly banjo, and strong rhythms on the last night of their spring tour. Fronted by husband-wife duo Ashlee Hardee and Jimmy Brown, the tight-knit group is rounded out by Ashlee’s brothers Jordan and CJ, as well as close friend Ethan Ricks.
Opening with “Southern Skies” (which also opens their 2014 debut album Montibello Memories), Matrimony gave the crowd a taste of their home-brewed guitar, well-woven harmonies, and personal, passionate lyrics. Written by Jimmy, who originally hails from Belfast, Northern Ireland, the track is dedicated to his new home and family. Lyrics like “I like the way it feels when I’m with my own,” “Catch the southern soul,” and “We share southern skies” reflect the band’s deep connection with the region, whose influences are prevalent throughout their music.
They then played “Sorrow,” a bluegrass tune with swelling banjo, tambourines, and poppy vocals. CJ’s high-energy banjo playing helped to nicely transition into the rolling opening of “Golden City,” from the 2013 LP Montibello Drive. Nice, simple back-and-forth vocals elicited a chorus of “oohs” from the audience, and a powerhouse chorus of “We were born to walk into the night/ We were born out of the fire,” broke into a round of applause for the band. It was a stellar performance that garnered my vote for the best of the night.
Ashlee showcased her piano playing and ethereal, powerful vocals on “Giant.” Slowing things down, the song emotionally asked, “When you said that I’d be yours until we die/ Does it feel good to leave me behind?” Beautifully blending harmonies accompanied her during the chorus, before Ashlee declared, “I’ve got news, I’m going my way,” knocking everyone’s socks off.
Following with “Lucky Man,” Matrimony members each took their turn for a solo, highlighting their individual skills- particularly for Jordan on drums and Ethan on bass. “To the Road” had nice country duet vocals and shimmery electric mandolin, which elicited more “oohs” and a sing-along to the chorus, making for a great jam at the song’s close.
Matrimony’s stellar folk artistry has gained recent media attention, and their performance Tuesday night proved that they are a band that should be on your radar.
Next up was Korean-American indie pop group Run River North. The six-member outfit from the San Fernando Valley drew an impressive crowd, and showcased immense talents with catchy folk numbers like “Monsters Calling Home” (also the original name of the band, which formed under in 2011) and “Growing Up.” Run River North, who released their self-titled debut album in February of this year, have drawn comparisons to The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, and The Head and the Heart. The comparisons were apt on Tuesday, as they filled the venue with their powerful folk sound, which will do the band well during their tour this fall with Boy & Bear.
Opening the night was Seattle-based Erik Walters, who performs solo under the name Silver Torches. He took the stage armed with only his guitar, proving his mettle as a truly skilled player. He had impressive control over his vocals, easily switching from gentle to powerful when the lyrics called for it, and was reminiscent of Ryan Adams and Ben Gibbard.
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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