GIRLS Perform Tonight at La Zona Rosa
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I didn’t make any sort of associations after seeing the title of San Francisco-based duo GIRLS‘ latest album, Father, Son, Holy Ghost. Interestingly, it later struck me on an entirely different level after learning a little bit about vocalist Christopher Owens‘ background.
There’s no doubt his outlook is affected by his upbringing, raised in the Children of God cult and most likely isolated from popular media that saturates practically every art form today on a nostalgic level. But that’s not a strike against the sensitivity with which Owens constructs his songs. Instead, there’s s a respectful revisiting of the past while simultaneously taking that sense of familiarity and making it feel different or untapped somehow. Through Owens’ delivery, these classic styles feel very new, as though you’re hearing them for the first time.
Father, Son, Holy Ghost is a refreshing rediscovery of ‘70s rock sounds with riffs you instantly connect to, from light, airy, sunny melodies reminiscent of West Coast tunes to some guitar-heavy stoner rock, even some elements of Pink Floyd. The emotions are also very clear on these tracks. Owens keeps it lyrically simple, straightforward, honest and heartfelt. It’s an unfocused desire that fuels the tone, unfulfilled yet innocent.
Another fantastic band out of San Francisco. And most fortunately for us, they’re in Austin for a show tonight at La Zona Rosa, 612 W. 4th St. Opening the show is Portland, OR martian indie funksters Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Very good stuff here. Doors open at 8 p.m. Check it all out.
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