Review of the Deli’s Band of the Month winner, Jakob Battick and Friends. Stay tuned for an interview with them in the future.
Taking their name from an Andrew Bird song, Good Kid Sprouting Horns set the stage with their incredibly minimal setup of guitar, Casio keyboard, and small drum kit. While Horns’ music was rooted in folk, they showed different shades of influences from the lo-fi rock explosion of the 90s and a lick of alt-country. Anthony Bitetti’s voice was subdued and creaky and he could belt away in a beautiful descent. Horns’ performance was powerful and satisfying.
Following Horns was Bangor native, Jakob Battick who was accompanied by his ragtag team of musicians from the local university. Going under the name Jakob Battick & Friends, the group is constantly evolving, always welcoming new members and saying goodbye to the old—sometimes cycling through the same people, allowing for the reinterpreting of already interpreted songs. What’s so special about Jakob Battick & Friends isn’t only the folk and sometimes punk-infused songwriting, but also the group’s willingness to change and experiment with songs that never end up sounding exactly the same.
A year ago, Jakob Battick’s songs would have sounded almost gentle and quiet—with the support of acoustic instruments and maybe some light drumming. With a year passed, the group has changed and know have a sound that’s jagged and loud. While the songs are still rooted in folk music, the group isn’t afraid to show a little contrast between the soft and sharp. This was especially evident in the elegant sounds of Roy MacNeil’s violin set against Mark Dennis’ pummeling war-drums. It was during these moments that the folk switched to a more tribal sound.
Planets Around The Sun performed next, I suggest you check them out!
–Dylan Martin