Portland – Swansea stepped onto the Doug Fir stage for the first time on Tuesday night. The Portland-based three-piece, comprised of vocalist and keyboardist Rebecca Sanborn, multi-instrumentalist Kyleen King, and drummer Jj Tanzer, formed in 2011 after adding King to their duo project, and have been playing venues in the Northwest ever since. The band was visibly thrilled to be playing in the acoustic-rich venue, and their vivaciousness on stage only added to the playful quality of their music. Armed with floral headdresses, colorful face paint and formal ensembles, Swansea was in their element.
The trio’s first (and only) album, Old Blood, was self-released in 2012. They are currently working on their second full-length with Portland composer and producer John Askew, who has previously worked with The Dodos and Neko Case. The band has also found acclaim in licensing music for films. Swansea describe their sound as atmospheric—a fitting description. They have a childlike aesthetic, not just because of the face paint and flower crowns, but their inventive use of instruments and the transparency of their lyrics.
“Thanks everybody, for coming out on a Tuesday night…You know, Tuesday is the new Wednesday.” Swansea greeted the crowd all smiles as they began their first song of the set, which is also the first track on Old Blood, “Times Are Low.” Sanborn started with playing a mini pink piano, while the pink flowers in her hair caught the light of the venue, and as soon as Tanzer’s bass drum was introduced, the crowd started dancing—they realized they had just become a part of the pseudo-formal dance party that had only just begun.
“A Light While She Sleeps” was a more subdued affair, albeit just as enticing. Swansea live is the definition of a show; they are able to create an environment for the audience that is all their own, and the audience is really encouraged to be a part of it. Tanzer even made a joke about the band being perfectly dressed for a high school prom. The audience was all the more willing to dance then.
Their eccentricities not only work, but they are constructed in a way that is authentic—an aesthetic that can be difficult to get right. While they’ve been compared to LCD Soundsystem and Santigold, they also have a sound similar to tUnE-yArDs in their ability to use their instruments creatively while maintaining a specific sound. Sanborn’s delicate vocals, King’s harmonies and bass, and Tanzer’s skill on drums create a sound that perfectly aligns with their quirky onstage presence.
Swansea clearly know who they are as a band, and they’ve only progressed since their beginning. Their music is exciting, and to put it simply, it’s fun. Swansea is a band that doesn’t garner preconceived notions, and not just that, they are completely themselves while on stage. Swansea’s live show was a refreshing change, and their genuine, vibrant stage presence a vital part of the atmosphere. Multi-instrumentals, powerful yet commanding vocal presence and a willingness to entertain all make Swansea worthwhile to watch.
Like Swansea on Facebook for updates on their tour dates and album releases.
Dakota Smith
Follow her on twitter in case she says something funny: @LikeTheStates
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