There Ain't no Party Like a Phatty Party.
The nth annual Birthday Bash for one of Santa Barbara’s most
recognized DJ boasted a number of great local Santa Barbara bands – Matt Armor,
Indian Trading Furs, Strikes At One, Winchester Rebels, and Tommy & The
High Pilots.
I came exclusively for Matt Armor, Indian Trading Furs, and
The High Pilots. Although, can it be called “exclusive” when you’re trying to
see three of five great bands?
Matt Armor played right at 9. An acoustic “roots rock” set in
front of a growing crowd. With nothing but his guitar and his throaty growl,
Armor set the tone for the rest of the night.
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| photo by j.puchli |
Indian Trading Furs quickly followed, turning the energy in
the house up a notch. The four-piece folk rock band filed the room with insane
banjo, fast guitar, plunky bass, and snappy drum beats. ITF touts a dueling
vocal style, with Kyran and Will playing off each other, creating an almost
howling affect – which goes well with the folky punk rock. I can’t believe it
was my first time seeing them play in a proper venue. Definitely staying on my
radar.
Strikes Against One, then Winchester Rebels hit the stage.
Both bands are stellar, but I thought they had a different flavor than the
others on the bill. This showcase could have easily been split into two, with
SAO and WR carrying a heavier rock show. But the people loved them.
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| photo by j.puchli |
Then SB’s favorite hometown boys explode on stage. Tommy and
the High Pilots can only be summed up with one word: rock. They have really
grown into themselves, both their sound and stage presence getting better with
age. T&THP played a crowd pleasing mix of their early hits, then “tested
the waters” with some songs off their new album – which I recorded on a crappy
iPhone so it just sounds like heavy breathing on my phone. Bummer, guess I gotta wait for the real
thing.
As always, Phat Js’ Birthday Bash was a phenomenal success.
Thank you Phat J for being born to rock.