Last year the wife and I went out to California and while we were out there we took in a Tyrone Wells show. The wife is friends with Tyrone and the drummer, Mark, so whenever we get a chance to we try and take in a show. This wasn't the first time we'd seen Tyrone Wells play and like the other times there wasn't any disappointment at the end of the night. If anything it was the best show I'd seen by them.
The concert was held in a tiny venue located off of an alley on Cahuenga Boulevard, the Hotel Cafe. It's a small, dark room that probably doesn't even hold more than fifty people at one time, very intimate setting.
The set wasn't a long one and while we both wanted to head out after saying hi to Mark we were talked into staying to see a new band that Mark was working with, Branches. That ended up being a very good decision.
After one song it was apparent that I'd found a new band that I was going to be listening to a long time (that assessment has held true). With a musical base akin to Sufjan Stevens and the lyrical poetry and delivery of Mumford and Sons they fit the mold perfectly of where I hope the road of music continues to go down.
While their live set was great, I didn't truly appreciate how good they were until I heard their recorded music.
They had already released three LPs and they've since released their first EP, Thou Art the Dream (buy it here), four albums that not only pair and play the two lead vocalists together so well but also seamlessly intertwines a multi-instrumented sound so well. Tyler and Natalie's voices are both soft and commanding that never take precedence over the the heartfelt lyrics that come oozing out like warm syrup jacked up on caffeine. I love the addition of a good bango or mandolin and the Branches do it with great success.
I highly recommend checking out the Branches and their unique sound. They've got a couple LPs out and the aforementioned EP and if you really want to be treated check out their monthly cover where you can backtrack and see their covers of tunes like Eleanor Rigby(Beatles), Skinny Love(Bon Iver), Crazy(Gnarls Barkley), plus many more...
Keep an eye out for these guys and if you have a chance to see 'em live, do it.
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