A few short days ago, two of the most technically sound acts made their way through Little Rock. Brent Best and Glossary played the night away and left me astounded at just how great they were. I was a tiny bit surprised that White Water wasn't full up, but those who were there had a great time.
Best (pictured), a former member of Slobberbone and current member of The Drams, played first. He is full to capacity with raw energy. I was expecting something like that, but he certainly wowed me. Best came up with nothing more than his guitar, several harmonicas, and a sassy attitude. He started to play and as the night progressed, the audience could not take their eyes off of him. Best is a wonderful songwriter. His songs, when heard, seem like they were written in the style of a children's book. However, there's a haunting complexity to each one. Even his really sad songs didn't seem so sad because of the skillful way they were written. Best has effortlessly, in my mind, tapped in to his emotions and created some beautiful material.
Best played and bantered with the audience for the better part of an hour. There was a short break between sets and then Glossary took the stage. Hailing from Murfreesboro, TN, Glossary travels to Little Rock several times a year. I had only seen them once before, but I unfortunately didn't pay that much attention to them. I went in to this show with a solid determination to give my full attention to them and I'm content that I did.
Glossary is straight up indie rock with a slight twang here and there. This twang manifests itself mostly in Todd Beene's pedal steel and in certain vocals by Kelly & Joey Kneiser. It just gives the music a little something extra and I'm glad they've gone in that direction. Every aspect of their band fits tightly together like a jigsaw puzzle, and they have a good thing going for them. The moment I saw the angel and devil on the bass drum head and heard the first song, I was sold on them.
Glossary played for well over an hour. Many of the songs including my favorite, Little Caney, were from their new album, The Better Angels Of Our Nature. If you have heard of these guys and don't have the album, I highly suggest purchasing it. However, it might be sold out and you can find a free download at their home website. I choose to describe it as lilting and reminiscent of one's favorite bedtime story. This specific album is wholly comforting and a joy to listen to all the way through, and that's something I haven't been able to say about many bands recently. I will happily go to future shows.
Best and Glossary were just genuinely good musical talents. People seem to really love them and I have convereted to one of the many who do. They are welcome to come back to Little Rock anytime White Water will have them. I'll definitely be there front and center supporting great music, and I can only hope others will do the very same.
--L
RSS Feed