Column for February 10, 2010

Valentine’s Day this weekend – here are some choice spots to take your sweetheart for a night on the town with live music. Your choice, from rock to pop to acoustic singer / songwriters.

On Friday the 12th, 2am Logic is playing at the Peppertree Lounge in Idaho Falls. I just caught one of their shows last week, and am ever-more impressed with this band’s sound each time I hear them.

2am Logic describes their sound as alt. rock, and I suppose that suits. But I’d describe it more as a heavy post-grunge. Vocalist and front man Todd Thompson has an unmistakable, deep, throaty voice that is both sultry and edgy. As I’ve heard their music develop over the past two years, I hear their songs getting more heavy, but a far cry from metal. Their sound is a perfect blend for fans of old-time Seattle grunge and fans of hard rock.

The show at the Peppertree has no cover, starts at 8:00 p.m., and is open to those 21+. For more on 2am Logic, visit www.myspace.com/2amlogic.

Also on Friday the 12th, in Pocatello, Nyr Lif will perform a set at Red Hot Roasters, located at 737 E. Clark Street, for their open mic night starting at 8:00 p.m. Nyr Lif is a locally-based duo with guitarists Casey Cathey and Shawn Barkdull. They play acoustic, ambient music, perfect for the venue. Music entertainment is free and open to all ages. Find out more at www.myspace.com/nyrlif.

Portneuf Valley Brewing, on S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello, has a weekend of romantic live music on tap with singer / songwriters Father Bob and Dr. Bob taking the stage on Friday night, starting at 8:30 p.m. Both are Pocatello-based, humorous and fun; expect to be entertained musically and with laughs. I’m told Dr. Bob has a new ukulele, so watch out for that.

And on Saturday the 13th, The Tiki Gawds are scheduled to peform in the pub at 8:30 p.m. The group is set to play Hawaiian-themed and other love songs, folk, pop and rock for a perfect Valentine’s date. Portneuf Valley Brewing charges no cover for live music entertainment, and they are open to all ages.

Also on Saturday the 13th, The Icon has a great line-up of regional rock and pop bands set to play at their venue, located on N. Main Street in Pocatello. The Icon sells tickets in advance through smithstix.com, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and open to all ages.

On the bill this Saturday, Madison Lights, All Bright, The Trademark and Goodnight Sunrise. Music starts at 7:00 p.m.

I first started writing about Goodnight Sunrise in early 2008. I finally saw them play live some 6 months later and was very impressed. They've got the sound, the look, and they played tight. Moreover, the song structures are complex and diverse. I had a blast, and I hope you will too.

Goodnight Sunrise is exactly that kind of pop rock that makes you smile and bop your head. The single, It’s the Stare, made me want to get up and clean house or something. Definitely move-your-feet kind of music. Their CD's get regular rotation in my CD player, and in my kids' players too. These guys are good. Very good.

“We like to call the music we play ‘pop & roll’ or ‘riff pop,’ said bassist Sam Smetana. “It's nothing ridiculously flashy or out of the ordinary, but we focus on writing pop-structured songs with fun riffs. We write honest and personal lyrics about life on the road and how it's shaped how we live.”

Fans are happy with the honesty in their music. Goodnight Sunrise’s singles “It’s The Stare” and “On Your Birthday” are fan favorites.

Vocalist Dan Murphy fronts Goodnight Sunrise, backed by Smetana on bass, guitarist Justin Brenner and Mike Ogle on drums. The band, based from Helena, MT, has been together since mid-2006.

In the past four years, Goodnight Sunrise has been on fourteen regional and national tours. The band has released video of a tour documentary on YouTube and has produced two studio albums. They also have a song featured on the compilation album, “Rockin’ Romance.” Now, how perfect is that for a Valentine’s weekend show!

Goodnight Sunrise will have CD’s for sale at the show. Find out more at www.goodnightsunrise.com.

One last note: Somewhere In the Middle is playing a Mardi Gras show at Hooligan’s on Tuesday the 16th. This week, everyone is celebrating New Orleans, right? Music starts at 8:00 p.m.

Linda Alexander
a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho Live Music
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
For in-depth interviews, visit slowloosegravel.blogspot.com