Folky Seattle band The Cave Singers has a strange origin story. All original members were associated with punk and new wave acts (Pretty Girls Make Graves, Hint Hint, etc.), the sonic opposite of the breezy acoustic jams they now craft. What remains constant is the dark lyrical undercurrent exposing the more unseemly aspects of love, loss, and human interaction.
After being regular players in the diverse Seattle scene, members Pete Quirk, Derek Fudesco, and Marty Lund teamed up in 2007, releasing Invitation Songs and in 2009, Welcome Joy, via Matador before jumping to Jagjaguwar for No Witch in 2010. No Witch reflected the uneasiness of the era, with heavier lyricism and a more rock-oriented sound, trading away much of the lighthearted easiness of previous releases.
Building upon this diversification of sound, newest release Naomi utilizes the same lyrical depth, but more effectively expounds upon this newfound darkness by creating dynamism through thematic and sonic contrast. Breezier and poppier than ever, plus the helpful addition of bassist Morgan Henderson, repeated listens of Naomi reveal a sepia-toned but lonely core of love lost and missed.
Despite the buildup of seeming gloom, the Cave Singers live show promises to uplift and delight. Their brand of bluesy-folksy jam-bandiness was specifically made to be enjoyed live. Quirk’s raspy yelp, plus Fudesco’s intricate guitar work conjure the warm inclusiveness of your very talented friends leading an electrifying campfire sing-along. Being touring veterans, the night will be chock-full of stories, jokes, and love among brothers. Things will kick off with West Bend folk-savants Blessed Feathers, showcasing their starry-eyed coed interplay and priming the audience with their open, joyous performance.