I had the good fortune to see two great shows in Seattle Saturday night, Alela Diane at the Sunset and Visqueen at the Tractor.
I had seen Alela Diane open a show for Iron and Wine several months back and she stole the show and blew me away. Last night was no different. The crowd was captivated and spellbound for her entire set. She is a great songwriter with a clear, strong incredible voice. Watching her play I was reminded of seeing Neko Case play around Seattle many years ago as she was finding her voice. Those of us around during that time knew we were witnessing a special talent. Seeing Alela Diane last night I was reminded of that feeling. She is just embarking on a tour (dates here) and if she passes your way I highly recommend you make an effort to see her play live. You won’t be disappointed and the next time she passes by it might not be in an intimate club setting. Mark my words, she is on her way up.
Stylistically Alela Diane and Visqueen couldn’t be much different. Rachel Flotard, the driving force behind Visqueen, also has a beautiful powerful voice and has toured extensively singing back up vocals with Neko Case. Rachel is also one of the funniest people I have ever met. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing she and Neko bantering on stage you’ll know what I’m talking about. Visqueen has just released a fantastic new record Message to Garcia but make no mistake, Visqueen is fast punk power pop and falls under the “whatever that is” No Depression category.
Alela Diane singing “Tatted Lace” from the album To Be Still
Alela Diane “White As Diamonds” from the album To Be Still
Fan created video for “Beautiful Amnesia” from Message to Garcia with Neko Case singing backup vocals
Rachel answering questions from the Limewire fishbowl (Interesting aside- Ex longtime ND employee Tom Monday is now at Limewire and wrote all the questions in the fishbowl)
If after all this you’re still up for more, here’s a link to a video clip of Visqueen getting big props on CNN after they rip Joss Stone.
