Grizzled at Age 20: The Lonely H at Trophy’s [Thursday]
The most surprising thing about the Lonely H isn’t their baby faces, nor the surrounding manes and moustaches; it’s impressive when any act manages a patently throwback sound that seems both authentic and fresh. We suspect The Lonely H owes a debt to their hometown, Port Angeles, Washington, for this gift- the Pacific Northwest itself exudes the timelessness and sincerity that make their sound buzz-worthy.
And that buzz surrounding these youngsters speaks of deft performances showcasing precociously suave vocal harmonies of the not-to-be-missed variety. The Lonely H foursome is Mark Fredson (vocals), Eric Whitman (guitar), his brother Johnny Whitman (bass), Ben Eyestone (drums), and Colin Field (guitar), who all graduated directly from high school to the road, touring the country on The Control Group label. They describe their music as “denim rock,” citing working class America and the primacy of a relaxed, earthy, self-made aesthetic.
These are unmistakably heady days for nostalgic Americana, whether you attribute the trend to a rebirth of the progressive breed of patriotism that waned alongside classic rock in the early 80s, or to the current appeal of the trademark 70s self-sufficiency in the wake of last year’s economic crisis. Of course, self-sufficiency is a perennial siren-song for teenagers of any era, so maybe the youthfulness of The Lonely H actually enhances their classic rock credentials.
The Lonely H will be joined Thursday at Trophy's by Austinites Mobley—formerly known as Mowgli—and Oak is Keeping, who are in the running for a spot on SPIN’s showcase at SXSW 2010 (part of Airwalk’s “Unsigned Hero: Road To Austin” contest).
The Lonely H [Myspace]
Mobley [Myspace]
Oak Is Keeping [Myspace]
