Countdown to NX35 2010: 46 days ’til you smell like bar*
I was going to take a sabbath today since it’s Sunday but mostly because I am starting to realize that this endeavor will be the equivalent of writing 50 essays. And I’m not in school anymore! But, there are about 125 bands listed on NX35′s preliminary list and with “at least one announcement of note on Monday,” I’m guessing there will be more bands added to the list soon. What I mean to say is that this music festival is comprised mostly of small local acts that don’t have the convenience of radio play, magazine articles, and perfume to spread their good names. They rely primarily on word of mouth so this is my way of making sure my friends and their friends and those that spend way too much time on the internet know about the bands I really do enjoy. And hopefully, at least one of you will buy a NX35 wristband or a song off of iTunes or perhaps even a CD at their next show and put some $$$ into these musicians’ pockets so they can keep on making music. Now, without further delay, today’s pick:
photo credit: The Hand Combine's myspace page
The Hand Combine
Last month’s Spune Christmas was much anticipated by yours truly. Winter was rounding the corner and I was in the mood for wassail, tacos, and folk music. Four of my favorite local acts were playing (Telegraph Canyon, Seryn, The Fox and The Bird, and Spooky Folk) so I loaded up on chips, salsa, and a little wassail mix and stayed for the entire show. As I was finishing up my portion of free food, I heard a trio of voices that caused me to leave the comfort of my booth and toward the side stage at Hailey’s. Those voices belonged to The Hand Combine.
If you really want to know the heart of the band, read this interview by DayBowBow with singer, Angel Nunez. “Endearing” is precisely how the interview reads and as the group sounds. Backed by vocalist Kristen Bryant (Baruch the Scribe) and Taylor Sims on Rhodes (Delmore Pilcrow, Sabra Laval, Dust Congress), Nunez’s sound is that of sweet nostalgia like a time before computers, television, and other cold, heartless devices consumed our lives and our music. If you dig She & Him, you’ll dig them. And, I think they are one of the few NX35 bands that don’t use a guitar so that alone is reason to give them a listen!
Regretfully, I just realized this group’s last show was Friday night at Dan’s Silver Leaf. Then, after NX35, they will be taking an extended hiatus. Let’s make sure they realize how much they are missed in March.
Notable tunes to preview online: “Man in the Window,” “You’re Just a Baby” / Myspace / Facebook
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