Tonight in Seattle: The White Buffalo, Lindsay Fuller, The Moondoggies, and More
Posted by Kelly AlexanderWhite Buffalo, Lindsay Fuller, Jeff Fielder, and Alessandra Rose @ The Crocodile | 4/18 | (Get Tickets) | 8pm | 21+
photo c/o the band website
A reoccurring symbol in The White Buffalo’s new video for “Wish it Was True” is a tattered and worn American Flag. Making its first appearance tied to the backpack of vocalist Jake Smith, the flag is later pictured unfurled, blowing in the wind behind a young boy (meant to portray Smith’s younger self) running across the desert. This image perfectly encapsulates the messages of heartbreak, longing, and dreams left unfulfilled, effused in White Buffalo’s music. The project of Smith, White Buffalo are touring in support of their most recent LP Once Upon a Time in the West (Ruff Shod Records). Their sound is characterized by Smith’s deep, gravelly bass vocals which tend to chronicle the tales of sorrow and darkness. The unique signature of Smith’s voice frequently draws him comparisons to Tom Waits while his story-telling lyrical style is often likened to that of Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. The darker undercurrent of White Buffalo’s material also brings to mind work of the late Elliot Smith. Even more hopeful numbers on Once Upon a Timein the West, like the rollicking foot stomper, “the Pilot,” seem to turn toward bleaker themes. Needless to say, a nice glass of American Whiskey straight up serves as the perfect accompaniment for White Buffalo honest, straightforward brand of blues rock.
Lindsay Fuller is a Seattle-by-way-of Birmingham, AL-based singer-songwriter who recently signed to Dave Matthew’s ATO Records. Fuller is touring in support of the first record release on the label, You, Anniversary, which came out earlier this spring. Produced by Paul Bryan (Aimee Mann, Nina Nastasia), the record strikes both a haunting and beautiful tone, with Fuller’s pained, emotive delivery leading every step of the way. There is a deep soulful punch to Fuller’s vocals which lends an arresting quality to her music. Like White Buffalo, Fuller’s song-writing gravitates toward dark Southern Gothic themes—a fact which has earned her comparisons to the great novelist Flannery O’Conner and singer/author Nick Cave. Jeff Fielder, the man behind 2009’s coveted No Depression festival, will join Fuller onstage for lead guitar duties on Wednesday. Enjoy this clip of Fuller, Fielder, and another very special guest at her recent Tractor Tavern show on April 6th.
Singer Alessandra Rose will open Wednesday’s show. Known for her versatility, Rose’s vocals strengths have wooed audiences in many different capacities. She’s played up the jazzier angle for the Kindness Kind, and stepped into David Bowie’s shoes to cover his music with the Seattle Rock Orchestra. As a solo artist, Rose has performed with the likes of Kaylee Cole and Zach Fleury. She is in the process of raising money to release her first solo album, which you can help out with here. Alessandra Rose will round out an evening filled with truly talented vocal performers and solid songwriting. - Preview by Julie Cochran
The Moondoggies, Case Studies @ The Triple Door | 04/18 | 7:30pm | $15 (Get Tickets) | All Ages
Photo Credit: Christopher Nelson
One of Seattle’s most beloved alt-americana bands The Moondoggies will be performing at The Triple Door on Wednesday to kick off their summer tour which will include opening for The Head and the Heart in select cities. Although the local quartet led by Kevin Murphy only has two albums, Tidelands (2010) and Don’t Be A Stranger (2008), their vibrant Americana music and longtime presence in the Seattle music scene has won them a loyal fan base. Also performing will be Case Studies, also known as former Dutchess and the Duke singer Jesse Lortz. This promises to be a night of local music you can’t miss! – Preview by Suzi Pratt
