The Tunnel

Tunnels are dark and sometimes kind of frightening. The uncertainty of what lurks out there in the vast and unseen space of its deep recesses often plays tricks on your mind as vertigo sets in, forcing you to shuffle your feet slowly underneath you to feel your way through the darkness, hoping to catch a glimmer of light to lead you out of the blackness and out to safety.

It’s only appropriate that Jeff Wagner and Patrick Crawford named their band The Tunnel. Both dark and full of sinister hooks, the San Francisco duo’s music draws you into an abyss, out of simple curiosity, and sucks you into the vaudeville of sonic dementia.

Wagner’s raw guitar playing and spooky lyrics transport you to the days of old when gypsies roamed in packs and magic potions were sold on dust covered street corners. Part Howlin’ Wolf, part Neil Young on the soundtrack to the film Dead Man, his style of guitar playing is arpeggiated, emotional and sinister.

Drummer Patrick Crawford’s hands reach to the sky and come crashing down on taut heads like an anvil dropping off a ten-story roof. He plays heavy and his drumsticks continually reach that John Bonham-style 12 o’clock position between collisions with the tom, snare and cymbals. Patrick is brothers with French Miami’s drummer Chris Crawford and has participated in stages of Rally of the Dead. He isn’t afraid to ride a bike.

Rumor has it that The Tunnel has recently added another member, Josh Layton, to make the band a trio. I’m looking forward to seeing how it comes together in a live setting. I have a feeling they chose well and he’ll do the band justice and round out the sound, not that there was anything lacking in the first place.

Do yourself a favor and get your hands on The Tunnel’s “Carver Brothers Lullaby.” It’s a solid album and showcases their musical and songwriting talent. Play it loud and often … and don’t be afraid when the lights go out. 

The Soft Hands - Playing SSWC's in Durango, Colorado

Music website Radio Free Silverlake called The Soft Hands “Jangly and nervous and exciting.” I may have to agree after seeing them play live last year and after listening to them further since then. Their music is definitely fast, not in a simplistic punk rock way but in a layered and syncopated way, and Matt’s high-pitched vocal outbursts make them sound a bit nervous and even tense. Drumbeats without a lot of fills, a quickly strummed guitar and driving bass lines give the band a unique yet familiar sound completely free of inertia.

Tight, fast and catchy, the threesome from Long Beach, California played Durango last year at the awards ceremony following the third installment of Rally of the Dead. They definitely created new fans and kept the otherwise exhausted audience shaking their booties late into the evening. My personal favorite is “Imagine Me,” an expeditiously paced gem featuring catchy verses and a beauty of a chorus sang by bassist, Elizabeth. “Know Your Own” is another catchy one that is both moody and soothing at the same time. The future looks bright for The Soft Hands.

You can purchase a copy of their first full length, “Hours Pass By,” at cdbaby.com. Just remember, it’s no wave, not new wave. 

French Miami Scheduled at SSWC '09 in Durango, Colorado

French Miami is a three-piece band from San Francisco. Their music is a delightful mix of synthy pop rock grooves and math rock ala Minus the Bear or Battles – with just enough of a groove to dance to without feeling stupid (or incredibly white).

Roland Curtis’s guitar riffs are unique, much of it coming from the tapping style he uses on his high-slung Telecaster. You can especially appreciate his style on the track “Science Fiction.” Roland also doubles up on instruments by playing keyboards. Baritone guitar player, keyboardist and vocalist Jay Heiselman’s voice blends the band’s songwriting prowess with comfortable harmony and sounds like a friendlier version of Glenn Danzig. Drummer Chris Crawford holds a beat. Down. Using an incredibly simple kit, he’s the backbone of French Miami’s sound and is a Jedi of the start/stop drum roll. The first time I spoke with Chris we got on the subject of Jawbreaker – his heavy hands reminded me of Adam Pfahler’s. Turned out it wasn’t a coincidence, as Jawbreaker was a big influence on his playing style.

“Veterans” of the Durango music circuit (alright, they’ve played only one show there, in 2007, during the Rally of the Dead awards party), the rollicking threesome is going to grace the stage for yet another singlespeed event in what will guaranteed be another raucous and highly energized live performance. In their hometown they have created a regular following and will continue gaining respect as they tour outside of the Bay’s confines. 

Check out their music at www.myspace.com/mrfrenchmiami