The project of Will Taylor and Charlie Martin, Hovvdy has an outstanding new album, Cranberry, out now on Double Double Whammy Records. As the project consists only of two songwriters often working remotely and trading off on dubbing parts over the other’s songs, I was excited to see how the live show handled the unconventional arrangement of the band. Throughout the night, Taylor and Martin alternated songs, playing the entirety of their new album front to back to an attentive crowd. Recruiting backing bass and drums for the show, the songs of Cranberry sounded just as warm and arresting, if a little crunchier and heavier, than on record. Brooklyn fans of the band will be treated to their own album release celebration tonight. If Hovvdy makes its way through your town soon, do the right thing and grab your ticket early.
Before Hovvdy, Austin’s rising star Molly Burch played a set of pristine vocal pop songs to a crowd that sang along dutifully. Last year’s breakout debut, Please Be Mine, has garnered widespread acclaim, and Burch remains one of the most promising acts out of Austin today. Falling somewhere between Dusty Springfield and Angel Olsen, Burch’s album is perfect for literally everyone alive and is a must add to any record collection. Keep your ears to the internet for news on what’s next in 2018 from this promising musician.
Browse photos from the show below. All images © Bryan C. Parker & Pop Press INTL.; all rights reserved. Click any image to open set in slideshow viewer.
