He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister @ The Troubadour, LA 1/19/13
It was strictly standing room only at The Troubadour last Saturday night during the sold-out album release show for local LA favorites, He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister.
Setting the stage for the folk-filled evening was the first opener, Tommy Santee Klaws. This LA-based seven-piece outfit managed to get the night’s early crowd to take notice, with its hauntingly beautiful use of violin and strong male vocal harmonies.
Next up to the mic was the young male-female duo known as Ramshackle. Fronted by Emily Osment (of Hannah Montana fame and little sister to Haley Joel “I-See-Dead-People” Osment) and Daniel Schechter, this act was definitely the weakest performance of the night. While we enjoy having some rough edges and rawness when it comes to our taste in music, Ramshackle definitely needs a bit more polish (and dare we say practice) before they take the stage next.
Before our night took a turn for the worse, Jenny O came out to save the day. Reminding us a little of a certain other Jenny (cough Lewis cough), Jenny O entertained the audience with her country tinged rock, performing tracks off her forthcoming EP, Automechanic.
At long last, the crowd roared into life once He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister came bounding onto the stage. Now, this band first caught our attention a few years ago when we saw them open up for Owl Mag favorites, Fitz and the Tantrums and they only continue to amaze us.
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister
At the Troubadour Saturday night, HMBSMS exerted so much exuberance once hitting the stage; one couldn’t help but smile at their antics. From the moment percussionist Lauren Brown began tap dancing the beat to start off “Coattails,” we, as well as the rest of the venue, knew we were in for one helluva show. Brother-sister singing duo Robert and Rachel Kolar equally shared the spotlight throughout the set, although we were like moths to the flame watching the latter make full use of her body and dance the entire show. We were equally mesmerized by watching Oliver Newell energetically bounce around while rocking out on the upright bass and Aaron Robinson work the lap slide like no other.
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister
The set featured many songs of their latest album including “Can’t See The Stars” (which might have just become this Owl’s anthem after a long night out hitting the bars), “Touch The Lightning” with conga accompaniment by Orpheo McCord of Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, and Troubadour crowd favorite “Tales That I Tell” which lead to an all-out sing-along.
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister
We were looking forward to seeing a great show and He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister far exceeded our expectations. Their psychedelic folk musical stylings make us want to grow out our hair, dig out our long buried tambourine from the hall closet, and dance barefoot under the full moon.
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister
Be sure to check out He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister as they continue on their nationwide tour in support of their new album Nobody Dances In This Town.
Check out all the amazing photos HERE.