MUSIC

The sound

CONCERT REVIEW

by Jared Curtis

KaiserCartel, Anni Rossi, Seedlings, Maid Marian and Andrew Fish
Vaudeville Mews — Sept. 3

An intimate crowd gathered on a Thursday night to hear the indie pop goodness of Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel, also known as KasierCartel. Touring with the duo was viola player Anni Rossi, who graced the stage at this year’s 80/35 music festival. Local openers Andrew Fish, Maid Marian and Seedlings played a range of soft yet energetic tunes. Seedlings member Danny Heggen played the set alone, because, as he said, “The other two members left me for London.” It didn’t matter; Heggen’s tunes were sharp, reminiscent of Joshua Radin. His best song, “The Lighthouse,” which he said he wrote for his parent’s wedding anniversary, was superb and felt like it should be on a Zach Braff (“Garden State,” “Scrubs”) inspired soundtrack. Following the three locals, viola player Anni Rossi took the stage. More Jager than Juilliard, Rossi’s husky voice oozed sex appeal. Stomping on a suitcase for percussion, Rossi mesmerized the crowd. “Las Vegas,” a low down gritty tune, was perfection. She closed her set with her best song, “Wheelpusher,” which shows her range of viola skills. Finally, headliners KasierCartel took the stage and offered fans a mixture of old and new. A role reversal White Stripes, KasierCartel plays a funky and fun mixture of folk, pop and rock, reminiscent of Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett’s Rilo Kiley sound. Their vocals work well together and offer a dash of the magic Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris created together years ago. Switching instruments with ease, the duo played a tight set which included the haunting, “Here Comes The Flood” and the energetic “Season Song.” KasierCartel brought the sugary pop goodness, leaving fans jonesing for the next time the duo stops through town. CV