REVIEW: WhySound a cozy weekend getaway
WhySound is a little venue and recording studio just off of Main Street, on Federal Avenue. As you walk in, you are immediately in the audience pit. This cozy room has one of my favorite atmospheres, as a musician and a listener. There is a special bond that feels casual, between the performer and the audience, that cannot be described but must be experienced. The concert I went to last weekend started at 8 p.m., and I rushed from a wedding reception to make the opening act.
Music from Nathaniel James was already playing when my girlfriend and I stumbled through the doors. I looked up and recognized the guitar technician from KSM Music and was excited. When I chatted with him a few weeks ago he sounded like he was a cool guy who made equally cool music. I was right. I really got in the groove. They had the perfect mix of atmosphere and melody, and they knew when to make the song harder as well as when to ease into a gentler sound for the audience. Their last song, my favorite, contained the lyrics “A whiskey in my right, a smoke in the right, I’m not sure if I’ll make it through the night.” They grooved softly and sweetly, then finished and left the stage.
When the next artist set up his equipment, I was instantly a bit confused but intrigued. Instead of guitars or drum sets, Julius Brown set up samplers and keyboards. I said to myself, “I hope he raps,” and the people around me laughed. He played while samples and loops filled the speakers with electronic blips and swirls. It was like Imagine Animal Collective mixed with Grandaddy and a dash of Kanye West beats. He then started to lightly sing on top of the loops through reverb and effects that gave it an eerie sound. He performed his last song with a friend — a freestyle rap — that turned out fantastic. He was cool and easy to listen to, with some pleasant beats and a smooth electronic taste. I was pleasantly surprised.
By this time my girlfriend and I were beat, but we waited, and I’m glad we did. Eliza Rickman, a Californian, appeared and set up her miniature piano. When she started playing, she oozed talent. The clack of mechanisms in the antique toy piano created a mesmerizing beat. The bells echoed beautifully through the reverberated mic. She was a mix between Dolly Parton and Stevie Nicks but definitely the better part of both. Her music was hauntingly beautiful, peaceful and reminded me of a rainy day.
I gave this concert an A minus, because it was just what I needed after a busy day. Although the music and atmosphere were great, it wasn’t the most memorable show I’ve been to. If you ever get the chance to see Eliza Rickman, do it. If you ever hear about a show featuring local music, go. Good music exists in Logan, but you have to look for it.
– alexander.h.van_oene@aggiemail.usu.edu