Sunday Morning Coffee:: Scott Withers & The Whisper Banshees

As a blogger that receives hundreds of promo emails, when you hear a band describe as "Jonathan Richman meets Neutral Milk Hotel" you can't help but give a half hearted "meh" and start to dismiss the statement... unless the description comes from a band like The Sorrys, a local act long past the point of caring about being cool or impressing you (or me).

That quote was how I was introduced to Scott Withers and The Whisper Banshees, and while intriguing it's not how I will remember them. Instead of quirky melodies and whimsical lyrics, Scott and his band present a more honest, straight forward East Coast folk sound, unashamed by their roots and happy to proudly display their influences to the world.

Guitar, mandolin, strings and hand percussion all set the tempo for pub style stompers and drunken dances. The sextet sounds more finely tuned on these early demos them most folk acts sound after all the mastering and computer magic. A quick listen to the harmonies on riffraff or the way the melodies surges forward and retracts on Ne're-do-well shows the band's talent. Folk has evolved in the last few years, and in a lot of situations the song writers forget that folk music was written by the people, for the people. Scott Withers & The Whisper Banshees defy the current trends. They don't want to sing at you, they want to sing with you.

Chances are if you show up to see them play some songs March 2nd @ The Seahorse you will share some smiles and some drinks with a band that reminds us all that music doesn't have to be morose tales of broken hearts, murder ballads or snippets of a diary no one wants to read. Not a bad deal if you ask me.

MP3:: Scott Withers & The Whisper Banshees - Ne'redowells
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/whisperbanshees

Labels: Halifax, Scott Withers and the Whispering Banshees, Sunday Morning