Oregon Music News

Often times at a show you are treated to two, three or even four bands that are alike in genre, yet have major differences in tone, composure and overall style. This is to be expected because it equates to a great show. After all, we come to see the music we like.

Friday night at the Doug Fir was no exception, as Shoeshine Blue opened up for The Devil Makes Three (DM3) frontman Pete Bernhard. Right off the bat you could tell that Shoeshine Blue was one of the most fitting band names here in the region, as they brought a particular blend of gospel-folk-blues-rock that had you pining for the loafer days when all shoes were shiny and you could polish them to a sheen that would either conduct solar electricity or function as a very capable mirror.

The swath of Mississippi Delta blues permeating the music is no mistake, as lead-singer and frontman Michael Apinyakul is a transplant from Missouri, bringing with him the ruddy blues that flourished in his home region. Since landing here in Portland, Apinyakul has slowly gathered the pieces of Shoeshine Blues around him. Originally a solo, lo-fi, basement recording project, the group has grown to include drums, back-up guitar, an upright bass, and two full, angelic voices that add a gospel undertone to Apinyakul’s raspy, M. Ward meets Bob Dylan vocals.

The result of this slow congregation is something mellow yet entrancing, as one could almost see their toes dragging against the current of the massive river that lends its name to the music, songbirds singing in the distance and the heat of a midsummer’s day crushing any notions of work or toil in the coming hours. It was a perfect example of just another band that crosses the boundaries of genre and space, and returns to something tangibly recognizable only as an afterthought.

Funny, that reminds me of someone…

Right. The headliner.

While Shoeshine Blue relied on a large band to create their sound, the same could not be said for Bernhard’s solo project. It seems that, at least for his live shows, Bernhard loves the three-piece band. Complete with a bassist/back-up vocalist and a very capable drummer, this trio put out more sound than one would think possible (if they hadn’t seen a DM3 show before). This preference for the three-piece could be because it works so well for his sound–that mixed genre jambalaya composed of elements of country, folk, bluegrass, roots-rock, rockabilly, indie and true-blood Americana. If you add some meat to it… you got a nice stew going.

Compared to his recent solo album, Straight Line, which featured a full band and some accompanying artists, the stripped down nature of the material exposed Bernhard as the country music lyricist and rockabilly picker that he really is. The material was mostly off Straight Line, and comprised a deep, introspective look hemmed with a old-time twang, a country stomp and the roots-rock sensibilities that permeate all of the music he writes.

And the end-product?

“Some of ‘em are a little bit country and some of ‘em rock’n’roll.”

This observation was spot on. From the hoppy, dance-floor friendly tracks “Satisfied” and “Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold,” to the country witticisms present in the rolling tunes “Orphan” and “Mint Condiion,” Bernhard was able to consistently spin through genres and styles without ever straying far from his down-home-rock roots. And to telling effect, as the dance-floor was littered with do-se-do-ing couples, wildly flailing solo artists, and the occasional, albeit brief, appearance of a line dance.

You could instantly tell that Bernhard enjoys what he does as his stage presence was one of calm relaxation and air of cordiality that was positively infectious. This type of repose is one of the most indicative elements of a talented performer, and Bernhard is no exception. With a jovial banter and a couple of wide grins, he spun through an efficient night with style and country grace, leaving the crowd bubbling contentedly.

If you missed the show, don’t kick yourself. Bernhard will be returning as the frontman for the group that has brought him fame, The Devil Makes Three, March 27 at the Wonder Ballroom.