Under the moniker Human Highway, Nicholas Thornburn and Jim Guthrie of the band Islands were in town to perform in support of the beautifully understated, but awkwardly titled Moody Motorcycle.
Download: Human Highway - "The Sound"
Depending on what source you check, the band snatched their name from either the Neil Young song or the obscure Neil Young movie of the same name (which is apparently directed by and stars the man himself). Strangely, after a couple of listens to the band's LP, both sources become plausible. Moody Motorcyle, with its breezy country/folk attitude, would not be out of place next to some of Neil's acoustic work, while one glance at the faux 50s/60s folk album cover hints at some of the humor behind the album's creators.
Backed by drums and two members from opening act The Magic (who humorously switched into some gaudy western shirts to suit the change in musical styles) the live show definitely contained a bit more punch than the album, while still maintaining the carefree, casual ground that oozes from the record. The band has a definite taste for early 60's inspired music which is furthered by their Everly Brothers-style vocal harmonies. This affinity is most apparent on the song "Sleep Talking," and "Duties of a Lifehouse Keeper." The latter being one of the highlights of the evening sounds as if it could have been lifted from a jukebox at the corner soda shoppe. The band closed with the insanely catchy "The Sound," whose energy alone makes it stand out from the rest of the record.
The album is filled with subtle, wistful tracks which I swear seem to get better with each listen. The album is a perfect companion for a Sunday or a lazy afternoon drive. After all, as the band describes via their website, "Beautiful harmonies like the ones you’ll hear on this record can only be achieved when you look directly into the other person’s eyes as you sing. It also helps to slip into something ‘more comfortable’ and light candles." The problem being of course, this sort of music does not always make for the most engaging live show, but it does deliver on the promise of their album.
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