We’re big fans of San Francisco based band Social Studies, and were even privileged enough to host them at one of our SXSW day parties last year. While on vacation in San Francisco, we took the opportunity to see the indie rock five piece on their own turf. Thursday, the band played a show at Brick and Mortar Music Hall opening the night for a bill that also included Wampire and Smith Westerns and served as a precursor for the band’s several sets at San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music Festival.
Social Studies sounded as tight as ever as they kicked off the evening. The band continues to see praise and press as they’ve garnered an increasing amount of attention over the past year. And they deserve it. They are a group that has what it takes. While the availability of recording means has broadened the ability for almost anyone to make and release music (which is a good thing), it has also by nature created a need for something that sets apart the plethora of bands that saturate the industry. That thing is the live show. And Social Studies has it.
Guitarists on either side of the stage create distorted and whining guitar lines that play off each other and function almost as recording pans in headphones. The rhythm section of bassist Jesse Hudson and drummer Michael Jirkovsky create a cadence that possess both fluidity and crispness. At center stage, Natalia Rogovin commands the synths and microphone, delivering the signature elements that help define the band’s sound. One of the clear hallmarks of a solid live show is the engagement of the crowd. Although the usual crowd reticence to get right on the stage lingered during the set, concertgoers grew in number and gently moved into tighter formations around Brick and Mortar’s tall stage. However, nothing is as telling as the grins that smear the faces of the crowd members throughout the set.
I’ve said it before when writing about Social Studies, but “Terracur” is such a powerhouse of a song, it must be called to attention once again. To be sure, the repertoire of Social Studies songs is solid and commendable. Each song possesses careful swells and falls, building and releasing tension excellently. However, “Terracur” stands above the others. Ambling through punchy drums and sparse keyboards in the beginning, the song eventually delivers epic vocal heights and rolling snares. We’ve told you before, and we’ll say it again: Social Studies is a band you need to see. They’re on the road with frequency, so stay tuned and get out for a show.
All photos © Bryan Parker & Pop Press International. Click any image to open in slideshow viewer.
