Back on my rock and roll bullshit -- Friday night I was at the @simpleshapesband / @culturecat.band / @shayleeband show put on by @gloomhouse_pdx and @genderbombpdx at the @ghostmountainpdx group house/art collective.
Simple Shapes, new to me, opened the night -- strong solid indie rock/pop quartet who won this gen-x girl's heart by closing with Sheryl Crow's "If It Makes You Happy". I also got to talk briefly with the lead singer's (Pete!) parents who were out supporting their kid, which warms this gen-x hag's heart.
Next up was another another new to me -- band? -- Culture Cat. I say "band?" because there was music, and it was great, but the five-piece ensemble had the energy of an entertainment troupe traveling through a steampunk Weimar Republic (based). Highlights for me were the Metric/Clash At Demon Head cover, and then a moment where the lead singer opened a song a cappella with a range that my oversized vocal folds could only dream of. Also -- the commitment to the cat bit was :chefkiss:
The night closed out with Shaylee -- I think this is my fourth time seeing them play in as many months. The pride show will always have a special place in my heart/trauma, but Friday's set is probably my favorite so far. The rising crowd energy in the Health/Stranded Living Room/Back2U finale sequence was palpable, and then we bullied them into what seemed like an unplanned encore.
I'm always going to link Shaylee with my transition, but Elle/Robin/Nate are an incredibly tight band that would rip even if they were playing Poison and Heart covers in the 11:00 a.m. time slot at the state fair. They're playing again on the 25th at Lollipop Shop and you should go.
The @gloomhouse_pdx and @genderbombpdx crews put on a heck of a show and hat tip to --- JJ I think? -- for running sound from the corner and any other techs. I saw none of the issues that seem common at DIY shows.
I'm incredibly grateful for the level of gay/queer/trans music in this town.