Photo by Madeline Harvey
Friday night at the Spiderhouse Ballroom gave us four Texan bands: Dollie Barnes (Waco), Borrisokane (Austin), Chambers (Denton), and RF Shannon (Austin). A mix of dark folk and synthy pop permeated the dimly lit ballroom, creating a perfect soundtrack for the slowly spinning disco ball. There were times during the night where I imagined a sudden enactment of any number of 80s teen films with flowing prom dresses and roller skates, all in slow motion.
Dollie Barnes started the evening for us. Her voice is an incredible tool, utilizing an upper register with supreme grace and pure tone. She demonstrated clear control over her quavering vibrato, soaring above the darkly overdriven guitars and chunky rhythm section. She has some Appalachian vibes working for her to which I would’ve liked some accompanying harmonies. I can see comparisons to Karen Dalton in the overall folksy, lady-driven spookiness.
Photo by Madeline Harvey
Borrisokane followed with jangly, electronic indie pop that reminded me of a more fleshed-out XX. There was lots of space in the sound thanks to reverbed-out guitars and harmonies that added to their anthemic take on indie pop. PPI recently premiered and revieweed their new single, “Feel Your Evil/Clean Bill of Health.”
Photo by Madeline Harvey
The third act, Denton band Chambers, displayed great talent and tight songwriting. No doubt have they been influenced by the superb music scene coming out of the University of North Texas whose alumni include Midlake and the Polyphonic Spree. The mood got way-serious for this set as the four-piece delivered their version of somber synth-pop.
Photo by Madeline Harvey
RF Shannon closed the night out for us. I’ve seen this group a fair amount in the past few months and they continue to deliver. The ballroom agreed well with their expansively dark “Southwest R&B” as they’ve self-labeled themselves. “How the Moon Knew the Night” off their latest split 7” with Jess Williamson was a clear highlight for the band, who garnered an encore from the audience.
All photos © Madeline Harvey & Pop Press International; all rights reserved. Click any image to open in slideshow viewer.
