Dearboy: Such Pleasant Words (And Music)

I’m a person of integrity and I try to act with it as much as I can. Sometimes I fall short of the mark, but I’d like to think such incidents are few and far between. However, I have said three times now that I would write something about Dearboy and haven’t done it. That changes today.

Myspace bands are frequently annoying, uninteresting and out of tune, but Dearboy is no ordinary Myspace Band. An eclectic four piece from various areas of Seattle, their line up consists of Kathryn Van Buren (Lead vocals, Guitar and Mandolin,) Jessa Lowe (Upright Bass,) Sasha Kool (Keyboards and Accordion) and Willa Goettling (Drums and Cowbell). I don’t know a lot about the bands history but do know that up until recently the band was a trio, with no bass. Jessa Lowe’s jazzy hand has been a welcome addition to their sound. And what a sound! Like an eastern European cabaret, Dearboy simultaneously glides and stomps their way around the room, commanding your attention with their romantic and rocking show.

I have had the privilege of attending four Dearboy concerts and each one I found quite entertaining. Van Buren has a beautiful and sultry voice and is backed by equally beautiful music. One of the more impressive things about this band is that their sound is as mature as it is, being that the members are high school juniors. Most high school bands sound like they’re from high school, but you wouldn’t immediately think that listening to Dearboy. The band’s best number is their oldest one, the song “Such Pleasant Words” which, while skillfully showing off their Gypsy Cabaret sound, also features an electronic interlude, revealing a usually unexplored techno influence.

Their music is strangely infectious, as I found myself humming their melodies for days after the first time I saw them live. Dearboy has a lot going for it-cryptic lyrics and gorgeous music, so really, what’s not to like? I find myself cutting this review short simply because I have few things to say about the band and all of them are good. If you have the opportunity to see them live, take it.

And here is your chance: Dearboy performs as a part of the 8th Annual SoundOff! competition at the EMP on Saturday Feb 14th. Here’s the link:

http://www.empsfm.org/programs/index.asp?categoryID=27

Also, Here’s Dearboy’s Mypsace:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=215891808