Preview – Scout Niblett at Mississippi Studios 8/2

Scout Niblett | 1939 Ensemble | Genders @ Mississippi Studios | 8/2 | Doors at 8pm | $10 (Get Tickets) | 21+

Scout Niblett. Photo by Ian Crowther

Scout Niblett brings her stunning and unique voice to Mississippi Studios on Thursday, August 2nd, to kick off another jam packed week of music around the Portland area. Known for the intimacy of her live performances and a minimalistic style that demands the full attention of the audience, Ms. Niblett will no doubt fit right in to the intimate confines of Mississippi Studios. Fans can look forward to a comprehensive set, as she has been actively making music for more than a decade, as well as a sample of some new ideas she has in her head. My fingers are crossed for a live performance of “Peoria Lunchbox Blues,” a Songs:Ohia song that Niblett performed on their last album. If not that, hopefully “Your Beat Kicks Back Like Death,” a song which has Niblett repetitively chanting “We’re all gonna die,” will make an appearance.

1939 Ensemble. Photo by Aaron Sharpsteen

Proving the power of percussion, Portland’s 1939 Ensemble consists of two artists, David Coniglio and Jose Mendeles (of The Breeders). Both musicians are talented, and together they make interesting and unique music using some samples, a vibraphone, and drums only. The fact that the musicians are able to switch instruments during their set and still maintain their breathtaking quality is an achievement as well. Portlanders shouldn’t miss this chance to see one of the most original and skillful music acts currently performing in the city.

Genders. Photo courtesy of the band’s Facebook

Breaking up sucks, but sometimes it needs to be done. Genders is proof of the latter, coming from the breakup of another Portland band, Youth, but continuing to make heartfelt tunes which have the uncanny ability to bore straight into listeners’ heads and stay there for quite a while. From the limited material available online, the “oohs” and “aahs” seem to be much more limited, Genders sounds a lot less surf influenced but still retains an somewhat sunny, west coast sound. Vocalist Maggie May Morris sounds spectacular as always, although occasionally it is apparent that her heart still belongs to the Bay Area, where she hails from. Maybe, one day, Portland can win her over. Until then, here’s hoping Genders isn’t above playing “Into the Bay” every once in a while.