Califone
8/12/06
West Fest in Chicago
Califone is a four piece band based partly in Chicago and partly in LA that was formed by Tim Rutili after the break-up of former band Red Red Meat. They have a real history not just in terms of their own output (they are about to release their eighth album) but also in terms of collaborations with other musicians in the music community such as Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse as well as Freakwater
Califone eased into their hour length set slowly with violin plucking and banjo and the music suited the sun and heat, reminding one of the way air wavers back and forth when there is too much gasoline about. It wasn’t until after a few songs when it became clear that the momentum was gathering with a bit more in favor of a rock compnent vs. a more laid back folk sound. Although there wasn’t much banter between songs, an audience member who incessantly yelled out “Play some AC/DC got them to laugh a bit as they kept reassuring him “Don’t worry. It’s coming up. We do originals as well as covers.”
Although they played mainly new songs that the audience wasn’t familiar with, it was definitely an appealing set overall. As an added treat, at the end of their set, a two members of The Bitter Tears filled in on a couple of new songs: “Spider’s House” and “Pink & Sour” which worked really nicely with the keyboards and guitar. Look for their upcoming release on thrilljockey entitled Roots & Crowns this coming October.
Hear songs by visiting their myspace page
Approximate setlist:
Slow Right Hand
Michigan Girls
3 Legged Animals
Wing Bone
Horoscopic.Amputation.Honey
The Orchids
2 Sisters Drunk on Eachother
Spider’s House
Pink & Sour
Click to see more pictures:
Califone with The Bitter Tears:
