Last Friday, The Uptown Bar had the typical dark and noisy ambiance, and the noise shifted to that of an Americanized-Brit-Pop melody that seemed to take everyone by surprise when local band Pictures Of Then stepped onto the stage.  Touring major parts of the Midwest in support of their latest album, And The Wicked Sea, band members Casey Call, Joe Call, Joe Gamble, Tim Greenwood, and Leroy Kawasaki seemed wonderfully unaffected by any hours spent on the road, and like seasoned professionals calmly took command of the stage and audience with masterful tracks like “Sink Or Swim”, and “Wicked Sea.”  What is truly remarkable about this band is their range- both in Casey’s vocals, but also in the emotional contrast between songs like “Lands Uncharted” and the bouncy, playful beats of “When It Stings”.  It’s as if The All American Rejects grew a younger sibling with a cultivated English appeal. Definitely worth checking out!

“When It Stings” by: Pictures of Then

Casey Call (Photo by C. Pittman)

Leroy Kawasaki (Photo by C. Pittman)

Following up after Pictures of Then was The Debut.  Often categorized as being in a similar vein as fellow local band The Alarmists, The Debut proved once again that they are beyond being lumped into any category, except perhaps one that belongs to incredibly well timed beats and outstanding instrument collaboration.  Starting their set with “New Mexico,” Benjamin Gurstelle, Benjamin Mulhern, Jordan Koel, and Alex Puetz kept the audience close to the stage in a seemingly trance-like manner. These guys are playful musicians with an immense appreciation for musical build up and expression, “The Photograph Song” being a defining example.  Without a doubt, this band has been, and will keep doing well.

Benjamin Gurstelle & Alex Puetz (Photo by C. Pittman)

Jordan Koel (Photo by C. Pittman)

Alex Puetz (Photo by C. Pittman)

Benjamin Mulhern (Photo by C. Pittman)

Joe Gamble - Pictures of Then (Photo by C. Pittman)

Tim Greenwood - Pictures of Then (Photo by C. Pittman)

Joe Call - Pictures of Then (Photo by C. Pittman)

Casey Call - Pictures of Then (Photo by C. Pittman)

Joe Gamble - Pictures of Then (Photo by C. Pittman)

Upcoming Pictures of Then Concert Dates

Aug 1 2009      9:00P
The Draught Haus     Winona, Minnesota

Aug 15 2009     9:00P
Kenue Park – Green Wave Music Fest     Okoboji, Iowa

Sep 15 2009     8:00P
Mitchell Tech     Mitchell, South Dakota

Oct 16 2009     9:00P
Silver Dollar Saloon     Elizabeth, Minnesota

Oct 17 2009     9:00P
Nestor Tavern     Fargo, North Dakota

Upcoming The Debut Concert Dates

Aug 14 2009      9:00P
7th Street Entry w/ The Alarmists     Minneapolis, Minnesota

Links

Pictures of Then – Website / Myspace / Borangutan Download

The Debut – Website / Myspace

posted July 16th, 2009 at 2:05 pm MN Rock, Reviews, Uncategorized Pictures of Then, The Debut