John Doe, Low Flying Owls & The Proles

Unfortunately, I have to start this review off with an apology. I didn’t know I was going to be reviewing this show, and I missed the opening band, The Proles, as a result. The drive to sustain myself outweighed my desire to hear good music, which led me to a Jack in the Box further up the freeway. Big apologies go out to The Proles — if the rest of the night was any indication, I’m sure I missed a killer set. If it’s any consolation, the burger was pretty tasty.
I got back to Sacramento’s venerable Old Ironsides (established in 1934) just in time to watch The Proles break down their gear and make way for Low Flying Owls to perform for their hometown crowd. I hadn’t heard this band’s music before, but as eager, well-dressed Sacramento show-goers packed in an arc around the semi-circular stage in Old Ironsides’ cozy back room, my curiosity was piqued.
With their first ominous riffs, Low Flying Owls embarked on a bold set of music. While the British influence was strong, the band succeeded in creating a sound that was hard to categorize and decidedly their own. Beginning with rumbling dirges and a few bouncier, pop-flavored tunes, the band moved into a couple of slower, atmospheric numbers — including a hypnotic instrumental mid-set — before erupting once more with the constant rhythmic builds, spacey breaks and wall of guitar noise of “Orphans For Sale.” Andy Wagner alternated between guitar and keyboards and was quite proficient at both, adding snarling textures and rich color to the music, while drummer Sam Coe announced each shift in tone and pace with a crisp authority. Frontman Jared Southard displayed a strong rock ‘n’ roll mystique on vocals and guitar, both engaging and remote. Whether he was sounding off in a lilting croon or crying out in a demonstrative wail, Southard used his irregular voice effectively. Low Flying Owls is worth checking out, even if it means taking the drive down to Sacramento.
Taking the stage next was former X co-vocalist, bassist and songwriter John Doe, who would play a set of music much different than that of the band he’s most known for. Abandoning punk rock for a mature, folk sound, Doe began by playing two songs solo — just him and his acoustic guitar. It seemed that it was a bit rough going at first, but for his third song, Doe invited two musicians — one on organ and acoustic guitar and the other on stand-up bass — and things picked up from there. In this intimate setting, the audience gathered on their feet around the tiny stage, Doe’s intense and personal songs jumped to life, and while the tone of his set was mellow, it was far from boring. Songs like “Magic” and “Forever For You,” both off his latest album Dim Stars, Bright Sky, moved along at a brisk pace as Doe’s smooth voice seemed wrought with sincerity and emotion. In all, this show was definitely worth the trip.

– James Barone
– Photo by Chris Schreiber

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