Birdlips

So, I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that I went to a show on Tuesday night and that it was really awesome... now I will elaborate.

At the invitation of my friend, Dan Barden, I went to see Birdlips at IOTA in Arlington, VA. They are a band from Charlottesville. The two members went to UVA and graduated one year behind us (2007). Dan was good friends with them at UVA and got a group of us together to check them out. They were opening for another band that I can't remember the name of (sorry, they weren't nearly as impressive as Birdlips.)

The twosome, Cliff Usher and Lindsay Pitts, used to be members of a now defunct band called the Business of Flies. I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw them...two skinny white kids with what I like to call "indie hair"...but my skepticism was wiped away the minute they began to sing. Cliff's voice is unexpected, deep and sometimes a bit ragged. Paired with Lindsay's sweet vocals, their folk rock takes on a haunting quality. Although simple and smooth, their sound manages to evoke a wide range of moods and emotions. When they first started playing I was reminded of Mates of State - but I think that was because of the dynamic of them as a musical couple and had little to do with the styling of their music. The played a lot of stuff off their current album and also a few new songs - I'm looking forward to their next release!

As soon as the show was over, I ran to an ATM and took out some cash (and paid the annoying fee because it wasn't a Bank of America ATM) to buy their debut album Cardboard Wings and a really cool print poster. I was a little disappointed that Lindsay didn't have a larger presence on the album... her voice melding with Cliff's is what really sends shivers down my spine.

All in all, an amazing musical night.

They are on tour this month and will be ending in New York on the 21st. If you have a chance to check them out, I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

Check out their website, myspace or blog.

PS: The hot photo of the duo is by Greg Nash.