Seattle – “Sunday night!” artists kept shouting onstage at Chop Suey on a recent weekend. It was the running joke all night long and those who made it to the Capitol Hill venue on a brisk Sunday evening were fortunate to take in great music by three Pacific Northwest indie bands.
Headlining the night was Said The Whale, a quintet from our neighbors to the north. The Vancouver group, comprised of Ben Worcester, Tyler Bancroft, Nathan Shaw, Spencer Schoening, and Jaycelyn Brown, filled their set with an incredible range of indie pop-rock. Opening with “More Than This,” the first track off their 2013 album hawaii, Said The Whale set the pace with well-crafted melodies, easy harmonies, and surprising instrumentals. Launching into the infectiously upbeat “Mother,” with surfy vocal layers and rolling percussion, Said The Whale got the Chop Suey crowd moving their feet and bobbing their heads. “Safe To Say” contained beautiful harmonies and breezy “Oohs,” which nicely accompanied the crescendo-ing guitar and drums into a strong aural build.
One of the nicest surprises of the night was when drummer Schoening took the mic for an acoustic solo with the gentle “Seasons.” His pure voice, wide-eyed delivery, and innocent charm were reminiscent of Ben Folds, and his performance earned loud applause and cheers. Encapsulating the Canadian charm, Said The Whale performed “Sandy Bay Fishing Song,” about salmon fishing. The heavy, poppy sound was a delightfully interesting juxtaposition with the rustic, romantic imagery.
Said The Whale continued to impress with danceable tunes layered with strong vocals and well-executed instrumentals. For the encore, Worcester took the stage for a solo with only his acoustic guitar. He hopped down into the audience, which gathered around him, as he performed an Irish folk tune. The crowd joined in on the chorus, and it was a beautiful, haunting serenade that perfectly captured the night.
Taking the stage before Said the Whale was Seattle-based electro-Americana group Brite Lines. Fronted by the ever-charming Zachary Gore, the group includes the multi-instrumental Benjamin Gore, Graham Klym, and Stanley Kim, who all impressively and easily transition between instruments. Though Zachary apologized for their hoarse voices, due to cheering at a game earlier that day, their sound was just as impressive as it was back in April. Still with touches of Future Islands and Modest Mouse, Brite Lines has become even more cohesive over the months, and just finished recording 13 songs. Even with no set release date, I’m highly anticipating the release. These guys are simply a joy to watch live, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
Opening the night was local outfit Western Haunts, who put on an incredible performance of moody, atmospheric psych-tinged folk rock. Fronted by Jake Witt on guitar and vocals, the group includes Nathan Witt on drums and vocals, Nathan Hamlett on guitar and lap steel, Michel Debauge on keys and vocals, and Derrick Wright on bass. With ambient vocals, soaring melodies, spiraling instrumentals, and compelling harmonies reminiscent of their Seattle relatives, Fleet Foxes, Western Haunts impressed the crowd with their captivating indie Northwest vibe on tunes such as “Novocaine” and “When the Lights Dull.”
“Sunday night!” at Chop Suey was pure, unadulterated, musical joy.
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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