The Velvet Teen, Denali, The Americas & history(invades)

The feeling of a fresh beginning for Redding’s underground music scene emerged last Tuesday as frothing hipsters, curious show-goers and music fans alike loitered in the rain outside Serendipity Coffee House. The revitalized outlook was fueled even more by the fact that the event was sold-out, a rarity in the city, and was being headlined by some of the most prolific and exciting bands touring today, including the North Bay’s own The Velvet Teen.
Opening the show was the latest in the chain of great Redding bands, history(invades). Ignited by a recent touring stint in the Bay Area, the group was in top form as they astutely interlocked elements of noisy drum and bass breakdowns with emphatic screams and polished rock ‘n’ roll. Drummer Daniel Mayberry completed the group’s experimental sounds with systematic, yet poised skin work and accurately timed drum fills that complimented the rest of the trio’s raucous tunes. I’ve said it before, but you absolutely must see this band.
Occupying the corner stage of the club next were The Americas, who should from now on in any review be aptly dubbed “The Best Live Band…Ever.” I copped a spot just to the right of the stage and proceeded to film one of the group’s best performances to date. Vocalist / guitarist Travis Wuerthner’s stage presence has become as complicated and spastic as his songwriting and completely implores you to lose your inhibitions. Couple this with the infallible drumming proficiency of Casey Deitz and you have a recipe for rock royalty. The group even played their long-lost epic “Sweet Nugs” to enthusiastic approval.
After a lengthy setup, Jade Tree recording artists Denali took the stage and immediately gave Redding a much-needed shot in the arm. The group’s minimalist, spacey and downright beautiful songs fascinated the often demure crowd and showcased vocalist / keyboardist / guitarist Maura Davis’ hypnotic and haunting lyrical delivery. The group played the first track off of their recent release, titled “Hold Your Breath” and displayed an all-encompassing passion to convey messages of a tragic nature encased in four-to-five-minute pseudo-ballads. Layered syncopation, timely keyboard work and hushed drumming assured the group a fond spot in the collective consciences of local denizens.
Closing the evening were the darlings of countless music enthusiasts and conquerors of mainstream temptation, The Velvet Teen. Not even the scene outside (which, to make a long story short involved a hippy with a broken nose, an ambulance and two cops) could deter the band from completely blowing the audience away during a 45-minute set that included many of the group’s hits off of their last release, Out Of The Fierce Parade. Vocalist Judah Nagler’s between-song banter fell on deaf ears (a Redding tradition), but his choral range was matched only by his crafty, symphonic guitar work; both were impeccable. Bassist Josh Staples provided a determined and focused element to the group with his steady bass work and diligent harmonies. In fact, I could see quite a few people literally gasp as The Velvet Teen incorporated some of their renowned vocal harmonies. I suppose that most of the audience is used to squealing and incoherency, but as for this evening, I’m pretty sure everyone was on the same page.
– Ryan Prado
– Photos by Lania Cortez

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