Kata Rokkar Kata Rokkar – A Bay Area based blog about music, life and stuff by Shawn Robbins.

show review: Rocky Votolato and Laura Gibson at the Bottom of the Hill

Concerts, Music, Show Review

02/25/2011

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Rocky Votolato

Rocky Votolato

While everyone and their Uncle is out Noise Popping it up in the Bay, I decided it would be wise to visit an old friend who’s music hasn’t graced my ears in quite some time, Rocky Votolato. His tortured soul crackle and loner attitude once dominated my speakers for a good portion of the early 2000s, but then we went our separate ways. So when I saw his name on the Bottom of the Hill website, something made me want to revisit this unique member of the singer-songwriter community. Maybe it was Laura Gibson’s attachment to the bill or the pure fact that I missed hearing that signature voice. Whatever it was, I knew I wanted to experience Rocky again.
Piss Pissedoffherson
Piss Pissedoffherson
Piss Pissedoffherson

Piss Pissedoffherson

First up was Bay Area bizarro country duo Piss Pissedoffherson (get it? hardy har har). While their music gave the venue a gritty open mic-ish feel to the show, that was also the downfall to their act. I’m all for dirty folk acts tearing it up with a Hank Williams kind of ‘fuck off’ attitude, but sometimes that can cross over into “did this homeless guy just walk here from the Haight?” territory. While slightly entertaining at times and vaguely charming, those moments didn’t add up enough for me to care.
Laura Gibson
Laura Gibson
Laura Gibson

Laura Gibson

Next up was Portland’s sweet and confident folk-chick, Laura Gibson. Accompanied mostly by her acoustic guitar, Laura sings stark, ghostly folk with wisps of optimism sewn in for good measure. She’s already flaunting a large, lived-in growl flavored by antediluvian blues and jazz inflections along with a vintage style that resonated well with the doe-eyed audience.

Laura Gibson

Laura Gibson

Veering away from the more ambient Bridge Carols album she did with Ethan Rose, Laura focused mostly on new material and 2009′s Beasts of Seasons. She also played a song that her nephew used in a short film that was entered into a children’s film festival (which won an award if I remember correctly). Apparently it was a decision between her song and a Katy Perry song. I think we know what the best choice was without even seeing the film itself. But this was the kind of cute stage banter that accompanied Laura’s set. Which made her already adorable performance that much more special.

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Laura Gibson – Come By Storm from Beasts of Seasons (2009)

Rocky Votolato

Rocky Votolato

Rocky Votolato

Rocky Votolato

Finally the man himself graced the stage sporting an impressive North Western styled beard. I’m actually surprised he hasn’t grown one in the past considering his music sounds very mountainous and rugged, but I digress. As stated on the Bottom of the Hill website, Rocky somewhat played all of 2006′s Makers. While not all the way through or even in order if I recall correctly, the album was definitely the highlight of the evening with the audience singing right along to every word. Songs from The Brag & Cuss and last year’s True Devotion were few and far between but no one really seemed to mind. There was however plenty of shout-outs for songs from 2003′s Suicide Medicine. MONTANA! and SUICIDE MEDICINE! and WHATEVER YOU FEEL LIKE! were common heckles from a surprisingly vocal crowd.

Rocky Votolato

Rocky Votolato

Rocky Votolato

Rocky Votolato

In the end, they got their wish. Many of the requested songs were played with the usual charm and humble attitude Rocky is known for. All with his harmonica strapped to his skull and a beat-up guitar slung around his shoulder. No backing band, nothing more than himself and his two trusty instruments. This is pretty much how I remember Rocky and how I’ve identified with his music. However now, he seems content and happy yet still on his own. After all these years, I still find myself being able to relate to that aesthetic.

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Rocky Votolato – Portland is Leaving from Makers (2006)

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Rocky Votolato – Red River from True Devotion (2010)

Rocky Votolato / For more photos from this show click this picture

Rocky Votolato / For more photos from this show click this picture