dsc_7007-9web.jpg Two Sheds

dsc_6927-2web.jpg Friday Mile

Two Sheds, Friday Mile, James Finch Jr.

Java Lounge, Sacramento
June 13, 2008

Coffee shops have always been some of my favorite places to enjoy a few quiet moments with a book and some headphones, or to catch up with an old friend, or even to catch up with myself every now and again. However, they’re not always the greatest of places for a band’s musical performance; seldom have I seen a band pull off their sound in such an environment. Fortunately, this Friday night would be an exception due to the fact that I was seeing Two Sheds perform in their own neighborhood coffee shop, Java Lounge, in downtown Sacramento, along with Friday Mile (Seattle), and James Finch Jr. (San Francisco).

To begin, James Finch Jr. took to the tiny stage with an acoustic in hand and a friend by his side to play a couple licks here and there. James’ sound was a familiar one: an indie folk and blues acoustic sound. A reverberate hollow body electric guitar added a fantastic layer to his songs. Near the end of his performance, the songs began to get somewhat monotonous and obvious, but his set was very fitting for the coffee shop vibe and was overall pleasing to the ears.

After grabbing a cup of coffee, Friday Mile, who had just begun their west coast tour with Two Sheds, surprised me with their catchy melodies and meticulous instrumentation. The rhythm section, composed of Chad Clibborn on drums, and Jake Rohr on bass, laid a solid foundation for each song, continuously moving them through each section and keeping it all very interesting. Clibborn had a smooth, low dynamic feel, playing more upbeat tempos, while Rohr followed, grooving up and down the fret board. Jace Krause and Hannah Williams combined their vocals to create an awesome atmosphere of harmonies and hooks that caught my ears left and right. Krause’s guitars were nearly as catchy as his vocals and Williams provided a striking ambience on keys, using the classic Rhodes tone, an organ and your standard piano. During the set, Williams informed the crowd that the band was working on an album and that some of the songs they played were still in the works. I look forward to hearing more from this band and highly recommend giving them a listen.

Out of the 30 people sitting on the floors, standing in a semi-circle and crammed on the couch, I’d say about 20 of them were the friends and family of Two Sheds. Everyone was chit-chatting and having a great time the entire evening. I found it awesome that they decided to have an intimate show for their CD release. I’ve been listening to Two Sheds and have been curious about their live show. I can safely say that watching them play is indeed even better than listening to their recordings, which are also great. The band usually has an array of instrumentalists, however, for this performance, they remained a four-piece to cater to the intimate setting, playing a more mellow set. Vocalist and guitarist, Caitlin Gutenberger was spot on, singing with much conviction while tediously working her dreamy guitars. Her voice created the tone for each and every song’s story, painting clear pictures with her unique imagery. James Finch Jr. reappeared on electric guitar and keys this time providing atmospheres with sparse notes and rhythmic movements. Rusty Miller supplied the simple, but fitting beats that assisted songs in their progression, while the bassist known as Johnny followed along, bringing up the low end very tastefully. The band’s chemistry was vibrant and added much to the environment of the tiny room. It was a privilege to see this band in their humble beginnings, although I expect to see them making a huge mark with the release of their new EP, as well as their plans for touring this year.

Words by Jeff LaTour
Photos by Brian Kellogg

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