Fresno-based Strange Vine has been steadily gaining national attention, building crowds in cities across the U.S. the old-fashioned way: by playing amazing live shows. The band just announced that it will be headlining a Bottom of the Hill concert in conjunction with this year’s annual San Francisco Noise Pop Festival. Prior to the big festival show, Strange Vine has chosen to play a Cellar Door concert for all their Valley fans on Friday, Feb. 21.
For those of you who don’t already know, Strange Vine delivers an energetic fusion of blues, psychedelic and traditional American rock. It’s a sound born of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, from two men who were raised there. Ian Blesse plays drums and Rhodes piano (simultaneously), while Toby Cordova fleshes out the songs with a rotating arsenal of guitars (including one made from a cigar box). Both contribute vocals toward a rich, layered sound that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The band is also in the middle of recording its next full-length album, so the set will include some new material.
Los Angeles-based band Chad & The Meatbodies will play the middle slot. Band leader Chad Ubovich has built a reputation for himself playing in bands with Ty Segall like Fuzz, as well as rocking in Mikal Cronin’s band. When he plays with the Meatbodies, the sound is heavy, groovy, psychedelic and head-banging.
Visalia locals Evelyn play the opening slot. The group is currently recording its debut record, mixing surf guitar-esque riffs, thick guitar and bass tones, with heavy drumming dynamics.
Tickets for the 9:30pm 21+ show are $7 and available at ticketweb.com. To hear songs by the bands, visit www.strangevinemusic.com and/or www.facebook.com/Meatbodies.
Aaron Gomes is the founder and owner/operator of Sound N Vision Foundation, a nonprofit organization that brings indie bands to the area and sponsors local art events.