Dawes w/ The Belle Brigade @ The Crystal Ballroom 11/12/11

On November 12, The Belle Brigade and Dawes hit up the Crystal Ballroom with Blitzen Trapper; this was the perfect example of another night in Portland, the kind of nights where you have to strategically plan to try to fit in as many shows as possible.

After a bit of logistical planning and a drink, the Belle Brigade kicked off the start to what was going to be a very long, and adventurous night. Made up of siblings Barbara and Ethan Gruska, the Belle Brigade released their first album this year. The two wrote and recorded the whole album themselves, which is quite the feat. These siblings rock some remarkable harmony driven indie folk rock, and kept the crowd pleased with their energetic stage presence.

Dawes is another indie rock band lead by siblings, Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith. The Southern sounding rock outfit reminds one of a mix of Deer Tick and The Head and The Heart. The melodies and bass riffs are definitely reminiscent of “This Desert Life,” by the Counting Crows; and that is a wonderful thing. Their heart-touching melodies and lyrics have made me a fan. I found myself being drawn in and taken back to the places you can only dream this Californian band croons about. Their performance that night was made up of hard earned showmanship and a backbone of soulful honesty.