Emotion is what I notice right off the bat about The Laughing Man. This DC-based group puts feeling into everything they do and exude and air of living in the moment. Their show on Monday at DC9 was no exception. The simple set-up of one guitar, one bass, and one drum kit translates to elegance on stage, especially with the addition of a sax solo. At first listen, the music may seem to have a hard edge, but underneath there are many layers including influences of jazz, funk, and soul. This infuses the tunes with a bit of a retro vibe. The vocals sit in the front of the mix and add melodic pieces to a heavier background. Singer/guitarist Brandon Moses shows personality and raw passion with his role, while drummer Michael Harris and bassist Luke Stewart mesh well to keep the beat and increase the funky feel. All in all, DC9 was an intimate setting where the real elements of The Laughing Man showed through to reveal a unique band. I look forward to an interview with them in the near future.
The Paper Chase, from Texas, headlined. This noise rock outfit is definitely more loud and alternative than The Laughing Man. Though they are a bit more hardcore than what I usually choose to listen to, they put on a good and energetic show where the music really stood out.
[CROSSPOSTED ON READYSETDC]
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