Catching some Gamma Rays: Mothballs 'n Moonboot

Having heard Bucky Pope mention a show with his band/new band he's in called Mothballs last weekend, I figured I'd go and enjoy some music by some local musicians. It was an early show and I'd get to check out the new/newish Gamma Ray Bar.

When I went to the Gamma Ray's site to get the details, I was delighted to see that The Moonboot would be playing too. I've been meaning to go see them as I had a mutual friend with a couple of the band members back in the day.

Walking in, I found that the bar area was much changed from its predecessor's. It was all clean and sleek and, if memory serves, brighter. 

I grabbed a beer and wandered into the performance area where Mothballs were doing their rehearsal/soundcheck. The bar may be new and shiny but the stage area was still cozy and rugged-looking, thankfully. With rehearsal done, Mothball took a break before showtime.

Some familiar faces shuffled in. Bucky's significant other came over and said hello. She asked about the Frau and I told her that we were Splitsville. It was nice to receive a hug from her. Another woman who knows my Frau and I came over and chatted too. When I told her that my marriage was over, she gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. It was nice to receive kindness for a change.

Mothballs started things off.

I didn't know that Stephanie Rearick was in the band, she of Your Mom SRO and Ladyscissors. And that Saul fellow from Bucky's set at the Faun Fables show was in it too. I really enjoyed their set with the off-kilter tunes and the great harmony vocals. And they played the jaunty whatever you call it song that I so enjoyed when Bucky & Saul played it earlier in the week.

During their set I noticed that The Moonboot's drummer, Britt Dichraff, was standing behind me. I said hello. Because of the darkness or my beard or just the intervening decades since I last saw him, he didn't recognize me at first. But, after telling him who I was he flashed a big grin and we chatted for a spell. It was really nice to make his acquaintance once again.

After the Mothballs set, I met the second lady I had chatted with earlier and she bought me a sympathy beer. We talked more before it was time for her to catch the bus. As we parted she told me that things will get better, words that I will try to keep in mind going forward. 

It was wonderful to finally see The Moonboot perform after having put it off for so long. They put on a really fun show with each song being prefaced by some snippets of Werner Herzog monologue. A lot of bouncy synth lines with color added by guitar. And of course a rock solid rhythm section. Just great garage rock tunes.

A fine afternoon out and about.

Set the Controls for a Jaunt with the Faun

A month or so ago I noticed that Faun Fables was scheduled to play here in Madison. While I was completely unfamiliar with their music, I had heard of them as Nils Frykdahl of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum is a member. As his significant other Dawn McCarthy. For this tour two of their daughters would be joining them.

And then just a few days before the show I saw that H.R. Britton and Bucky Pope would be opening. I know Bucky a little but had never heard of Britton. The description at the venue's site included that he is "a storyteller, actor, educator, and musician" and that "He creates full-length solo storytelling shows". Interesting. Maybe we'd get an abbreviated half hour storytelling opening set.

Before showtime I went to the bar for a refill and met Bucky who was chatting with local drummer extraordinaire, Dan Hobson. I said hello and turned around to find Nils Frykdahl at the bar next to me. I was surrounded by musos.

Britton began the show with a solo acoustic performance.

He announced that he would be doing a set of Pink Floyd songs from 1967-1970. Now that I did not expect. Furthermore, it would be an anti-storytelling set as he said that he'd refrain from any banter between the songs. Let the music prevail.

"Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" worked really well even without percussion. I thoroughly enjoyed the set but was slightly disappointed that there was no storytelling to be had. I mean, it seemed to be his raison d'être, after all.

Bucky was up next and took to the stage wielding his guitar while his pal Saul grabbed an acoustic bass. (He would later wield an acoustic guitar.) Apologies to Saul for capturing only a sliver of his face.

I didn't recognize any of his songs but I enjoyed them, especially one called "Jaunty Larkabout" or something like that. Before leaving the stage he mentioned that he would be performing with Mothballs the following weekend.

Faun Fables took the stage. Frykdahl was clad in 90s era cargo shorts while McCarthy and their daughters - I never did catch their names - wore what I guess you'd call peasant dresses.

 

 

Their music was described as avant-folk and I wondered what this retro-rural look presaged.

 

Frykdahl played electric guitar but it was used for rhythm and color, to abet acoustic guitar and McCarthy's fantastic voice. Their daughters were great singers as well. There was some basic percussion plus occasional woodwind and keys. Songs usually had a basic beat with voice and other instruments laid on top.

Some of the songs had a very ethereal feel that reminded me of some newer Celtic folk music while other songs were more straightforward in their folkiness. The daughters did a little performance for one song. Or was it two?

An excellent show! I really enjoyed Faun Fables with all of their folky, pagan vibes. But the songs should not be shortchanged. They were great. Wonderful melodies and some gorgeous singing.