Austin band debuts at VAA

When local rocker Ian Moore recommends a band, it’s worth paying attention. Influenced by The Kinks, Neil Young and The Talking Heads, this new musical project formed by Austin, Texas based musicians, singer Erik Sanden, guitarist Joe Reyes and bassist Odie, was formerly known as Buttercup. After years of sowing psychedelic-pop strains, the three talented friends are exploring new musical territory. Moore will join the ensemble on stage for this concert.

Grand Marais is a powerful, three-piece indie-rock group that relies on experience and courage to evoke emotion from both themselves and the audience. The three musicians have trained their ears toward something most groups may attempt to hide with technology – silence. Hyper-minimal instrumentation, elaborate vocal harmonies and subtractions from their sound bring depth and intimacy to performances and may be considered more performance art than a rock concert. Sanden says, "We have performed in front of hundreds of people and we have performed for one person at a time over a span of 6 hours."

Bringing this experience and knowledge to their songs are more prescriptions for whoever may need them. Blending punk, dance and acoustic folk music in a natural way, songs are catchy on atypical topics. For example, "Opening Band" is a song about a young band that opens for an established, popular band coping with angry rabid fans who demand the main attraction. Another tune, "Morrissey for Company," employs sparse interrupted melodies to coo about obsession with a mopey singer, and how too much of a good thing can make you crazy.

"The guys from Grand Marais came up to Vashon with me a couple of years ago as Buttercup. They are intelligent, irreverent and extremely talented. The songwriting is witty and sly, sometimes cutting, but not sarcastic. Amazing singing, musicianship and a general focus on the goodness of music. These guys hail from San Antonio and represent the intelligence and gentility of Texas; traits which are often overlooked when looking at the state’s arts. This will be a unique show that should not be missed."

Reyes adds, "Our main goal is to create something that will enrich ourselves, and hopefully in turn, enrich whoever chooses to listen to our work…music as therapy."

For more information please visit: facebook.com/buttercult
Grand Marais with Ian Moore
Friday, June 8, 8 pm
VAA, Tickets: $13/$16