Twilight Hotel Tickets

I've never been disappointed by a Twilight Hotel show. Whether it's at Times Changed, backing another artist at the Folk Exchange or headlining at WECC, I always leave a Twilight Hotel show feeling like I got my money's worth. Quanbury and Zdan are so talented that it makes me want to stop playing music. I'm not sure that what they do is technically challenging, but it sounds so good. They can sound swampy, bluesy, Tex Mex and rootsy all in the same show. Quanbury's unique guitar stylings, as well as his choice of vintage equipment has some of the dirtiest guitar sounds out there. Zdan adds whatever effect is necessary. Whether it's accordian, her own swampy guitar sound or her lap steel (which with a foot pedal, she manages to make sound like a pedal steel), her tasty licks always added to the song. Throw in a great drummer and a great upright bassist and you have a great musical collective. Oh...and did I mention Brandy's voice?? Keening country, dirty blues, etc. Zdan can do it all. I liked the use of an old harp mike for some of the lead vocals. This duo understands vintage equipment and knows when to use it. All that would be worthless without good songs and these two write great songs. The WECC is a great venue and when you see a show this good, you just want it to go on forever. Our table was probably in the minority, but we wouldn't pay a dime to see the opening act Flying Fox and the Hunter Gatherers. I suspect that from a purely musically talented point of view, there was a ton of talent on the stage. However, their songs are off-putting as are the lead vocals. To paraphrase Paul Weller, "What's with the vocal gymnastics? There's a lot to be said for just singing the song". They should find their own voice. At times it sounded like they were trying to be the Decemberists. At other times they sounded like Tom Waits on stage with Queen all the while trying to outplay The Arcade Fire. Looks good on paper. Should be left on paper.

I'd seen Dave Quanbury by himself opening for someone else at the West End a year ago and based on that I wanted to see Twilight Hotel. I quite enjoyed the whole show. Opening act was Flying Fox and the Hunter Gatherers and they were very energetic. I'd see them again givien the opportunity. With Twilight Hotel you get a lot of moody stuff, lots of guitar reverb, and great vocals. Think Wicked Game by Chris Isaak for a comparable feel.