I saw Shivaree at the Lula Lounge tonight with Colin, Stacey, and Sandy. The band started good and got even better throughout the evening. Their music is a mix of gin soaked torch songs and slightly loopy lullabies, with a hint of danger. Singer Ambrosia Parsley has an interesting, breathy voice that works perfectly for these songs, and she sounds as good in person as on CD.
It was my first time at the Lula Lounge, and it's a nice venue. The acoustics, food, and staff were all very good. I'd certainly go back.
Parsley's patter was a big part of the entertainment. While the band tuned up their instruments mid-set she told a story about her and her twin brother consuming a giant Cosco bottle of Nyquil when they played "Sheriff" as kids—they'd take turns being the bartender while the one who was sheriff moseyed up to the bar to order "a shot of red eye." Well, Nyquil has that little shot glass on top…
aside:
Her other stories included one about her grandma driving to California to find her "scoundrel" grandpa—and stab him in the neck with a butcher's knife, and the one about her first love—who died, and I forgot to mention the part in the Nyquil story about throwing up Flintstones vitamins…you know, none of it seemed so morbid at the time. Must've been the alcohol.
end of aside
I like seeing bands that are far enough along in their careers that they give a performance that's well worth the cover charge but who are still small enough that they are approachable after the gig. We spoke with Ms. Parsley briefly on our way out and she seemed both friendly and genuinely appreciative of the turnout (an almost full house, versus the "about 8 people" that came out when they toured for their first album).
It was a good evening to have ears. So, you know: fwew!
