Oregon Music News

On a Sunday better known for coma-inducing food fare, like bacon-cheeseburger-peanut-butter-pie (yes, this actually exists) and jersey clad fans screaming at the biggest TV they can find, you do not usually think of going to a psychedelia/stoner-rock show. Yet, in the bowels of the East End Tavern amongst the dank confines and dim red haze, Sleepy Sun put on a performance that would make you believe this should be an annual tradition.

Listen to “New Age” as you read:

Before this, however, was Rainbow Bridge. This power duo, just a drummer and a guitarist/singer, is clearly attempting to duplicate the success of Jack and Meg from the White Stripes. Unfortunately for those in attendance, it was obvious that it takes someone with the skill of Jack White to make that work. While there were flashes of great talent, brief interludes where they were on time, hitting the notes and in key, these were rare and far between. You cannot build a roof out of holes, and while the creativity was there, ideas alone are nothing without the execution necessary to make the music.

Despite the sub-par musicianship and the yawn-inducing delivery, Rainbow Bridge had a curious charm that radiated out into the audience despite some jeers. The duo had a small group of loyal fans who claimed that the group “makes you dance to beats you forgot about.” While I could not see where in the music this came from, it was nonetheless indicative of some unknown trait in the band that propels them forward. I would not be surprised to see the band down the road headlining their own show, albeit after a few more practice sessions.

The second band never showed up (most likely Colts fans), so Sleepy Sun came on next. When the psych-sextet took the stage and rolled through their first song, the surprise on the faces of those in the first row was the most telling example of the talent and presence of this rising band. With a mellow demeanor and an emphatic style, Sleepy Sun brought out the best of psychedelia and daze-rock in a form that transcended both genres beautifully.

Whether it was the perfectly timed guitar solos, the dual male/female vocals of Bret Constantino and Rachel Williams stirring an occult sound that somehow warmed the bone marrow from the inside out, or the pulsing drums that kept your heels jumping, the dank, dingy room was filled with something palpably invigorating. The tiny room couldn’t contain the sounds bouncing between the rafters and the posts attached to the ceiling, barely holding the room together.

This performance had it all: booming guitar riffs, sapid and blues-y harmonica fills, captivating harmonies, churning and swirling drums and yes, a little bit of face paint. Considering that the San Fransisco band’s catchphrase is “let’s get weird,” it was easy to tell how this eclectic mix came about, and why it worked so well.

The songs they played were primarily off of their newest album, Embrace, a must-have for any collector of psychedelia, stoner-rock, or trans-genre greatness. Recorded at The Hive Creative Labs with producer Colin Stewart (Destroyer, Black Mountain), the album captures the best elements of their live show with an extra emphasis on the dual vocals and cabalistic harmonies. While Sleepy Sun will not be back in Oregon for some time, they are currently on the verge of a sweeping U.S. tour where they will be opening for the Arctic Monkeys. You can find solace in Embrace until they return.