A Clutch of Duos

I must admit that while being a fan of drummer/guitarist-vocalist duos, I can’t recall seeing one since the irresistable House of Freaks opened for Midnight Oil (please, no laughing) in 1988 at Denver’s long-gone Rainbow Theatre.

And now here we are, in music time centuries later, and I see not one but two duos in one night.

Portland duo Merrick Foundation played at the Mars Bar Saturday night, and they got the usual sedate Mars Bar denizens on their feet, not to dance, but to study the band up close. They make a substantial amount of music for two people, and it’s pretty damn good music to boot, so closer study should come as no surprise.

Their sharp, well-timed angular rock reminded me of Primus’ obtuse, bass-driven march combined with instrumental Black Flag circa The Process of Weeding Out. They call it Mike Tyson making love to Elton John. Whatever the case it’s clear they’ve got a polished sound. Cheers to Chuck Buoy and Hank Piece for making good music.

Merrick Foundation was preceded by The Neon Wilderness, and while not as proficient at producing sound as Merrick Foundation, Chad Cook (Vocals/Guitar) and Blake Cook (Drums) put out quality upbeat post-punk. And their parents were there to take in the show. Awwww cute!

More reviews:
Check out a review of Akron/Family and These Arms Are Snakes by our friends at Metroblogging Seattle.