Planes on Paper w/ Smokey Brights and Cataldo
Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA
12.19.15

Cohesion: the action or fact of forming a united whole, and something that can be a struggle for any musical act to obtain. It can’t be faked, it can’t be manufactured. It can only be honest, a quality which Yakima’s Planes on Paper seems to have in spades. For their live opening slot at the sold-out Tractor Tavern, Jen Borst and Navid Eliot were the dreams indie folk music is made of. While they were supposed to be accompanied by a full band, Northwestern inclement weather kept their bass and pedal steel players across the mountains, but that didn’t stop them from warming up the crowd with their blend of Americana-tinged folk-pop.

With drummer in tow the twosome were also joined on stage for two tracks by Mikey and Matty Gervais, who added even more layers and harmonica to PoP’s already hefty harmonies. The cooperative songcraft happening with tracks like “The Ruins” and “Iron Boat” is laudable, a quiet magical space between their honest storytelling and memory-laden vocals. Throw in a surprise round of “Happy Birthday” for Borst, complete with candlelit cupcake, and you have just about the sweetest show one could ask for. With two EPs out to date, PoP are teasing out their musical epiphanies to perfection, and we highly recommend the live version. Follow them for more show opportunities.

Filling the middle slot for this locals only night was Cataldo, with a show that proved – if you still needed proof – just how strong a force Eric Anderson is in our local pop scene. After sound-checking to the tune of “Afternoon Delight,” the band brought the tempo up, rocking massive saxophone riffs and Anderson’s killer wordplay. There are audience members arm-in-arm singing along, vocal call-and-response plays between Anderson and Matt Batey and the band’s much-loved banter. The tunes are strong, smart and undeniably self-aware, all the while managing to sound hopeful and ultimately memorable. In both a happy and sad turn of events, Anderson announced this is Cataldo’s last show for a while… but don’t worry, it’s so they can spend time working on a new record. Brush up on their latest in the meantime.

Headlining the night, Smokey Brights pulled out all the stops with their enigmatic musical chops. Lead Ryan Devlin took to the stage and immediately captured a “say cheese” moment of the excited crowd before the 5-piece band broke out their brand of timeless folk rock you can head-bang to. With a side of Queen and a heart made of twangy R&B, their moody anthemic rock tunes are crafted with meticulous melodies that sound instantly familiar and vintage flair. Plus they look like they’re having just as much fun as you are. There are intimate love songs and loud rockers. But no matter what, these Smokeys are supremely bright. Get in on their game here.

Review by Stephanie Dore
Photos by Sunny Martini

Planes on Paper