Brothers Comatose @ Goodfoot
Joined by Water Tower
The Goodfoot Lounge was the place to be Wednesday night with two folk/bluegrass bands by the names of Brothers Comatose and Water Tower Bucket Boys. The two bands were friends and have played past shows together. The audience didn’t have to warm up to the band, like at some shows. They already knew what they were in for and began dancing as soon as the music started.
Up first for the evening was Water Tower. The band is from Portland, OR and has played multiple tours including international ones. They have four albums under their belt and have played with bands such as Old Crow Medicine Show and Mumford and Sons. Boy do they have some fans! The night was like a big party and everyone knew each other. Dancing started immediately once the first sound of the fiddle rang in everyone’s ears. The band’s music is strongly influenced by bluegrass and folk with a lot of songs having the tempo of fast paced punk. The members of the band are Kenny Feinstein (guitar, mandolin, harmonica, and vocals), Josh Rabie (fiddle, guitar, harmonica, and vocals), and Gordon Keepers (upright bass, and vocals). The band’s latest recording is a 5 song EP which was recorded in Portland at Type Foundry Studios called “Where the Crow Don’t Fly”. Water Tower have come a long way since they started in 2005 where they played on street corners, even though they still play on a few every now and then. They played a long set and even played a small portion of a Sugar Ray song in bluegrass fashion, of course, after it was requested by an audience member. Watching them play was an incredible experience because they genuinely played their hearts out. You could see this is what they all truly love doing and I think it is that passion that makes them more than just another folk/bluegrass band.
Closing the night was Brothers Comatose, who have visited Portland a couple of times in the past, but are from San Francisco, California. They started in 2008 and have grown so much since then. Their latest album is called “Respect the Van” which is an eleven track album that came out May of this year. They recorded it in the studio like they would a show, all together performing so you would be able to feel the energy that Brothers Comatose has so much of. The band’s sound is folk/bluegrass as well but both bands have a different style unique to each. They do, without a doubt, have one thing extremely in common. They are experts at getting people to dance. Everyone was having a great time and dancing however their bodies pleased.
Brothers Comatose really did remind me of “living room parties” where families would get together and let loose. Their music makes you feel free and at easy, always with a smile on your face. The members of the band are Ben Morrison (guitar and vocals), Alex Morrison (banjo and vocals), Philip Brezina (fiddle), Ryan Avellone (mandolin), Gio Benedetti (bassist, vocals, and banjo). Another ingenious instrument that Ben Morrison played was a tambourine attached to a shoe, so when it was needed he could just slip it on and play away. After most of the songs that they had written they would explain a short summary about what it is about, which was quite interesting. One was about Reno, NV and how they lost everything there another was about a guy in San Francisco that told them grand stories that may or may not be true. Their energy and passion were obvious and continued to keep everyone in a great mood throughout the night. Towards the end of their set they invited up Josh from Water Tower to play some fiddle with them which was a treat. Also since they didn’t have a drummer they passed out chop sticks throughout the crowd so the audience could join in.
Honestly, I could hardly get any photographs at this show due to the fact that it was so hard to stop dancing. I do consider music that makes literally everyone in the venue move in some way shape or form to the beat, definitely a success. It was a great night with a packed venue and everyone around the stage. The night was filled with applause, yells, and total happiness. Good job guys!
Comments
Kimberly, you forgot to add: "The night was a success, the audience seemed to have had a great time listening to the bands, socializing with friends, eating, and drinking." to the end of your "article".
Comments
Kimberly, you forgot to add: "The night was a success, the audience seemed to have had a great time listening to the bands, socializing with friends, eating, and drinking." to the end of your "article".