Local bands came to Maple Valley May 15, a Friday night, at Warehouse 91 to play a benefit concert. The event was set up by Cameron Murray to raise money for children in Uganda, Africa, to build clean water wells.
With only a $5 dollar entry fee one got to observe four bands of different varieties. Putting them all in one category would be difficult, some being a bit indie or reggae with a hint of alternative intertwined.
Le Attempts performance was one of the better of the night. Starting the show off with a splash of rock and edge. Although the band was good, the lead singer in an awkward attempt to be “rock n’ roll” seemed to always misplace his shirt. Making it difficult to strictly focus on the bands music.
Next up was Sirens Sisters; they were by far the most disappointing band of the evening. Beginning well with the drums, guitar and keyboard intro, it was soon followed, and taken down hill, by the sensationally annoying vocals of the lead singer, Zach. However, he was quite entertaining to watch on stage. Although the band was not, as expected, good, on their album “Echoes From the Oceans Floor” Zach’s vocals are actually quite pleasant.
The band 309, sadly imitating 303’s name and Elvis Presley’s style, were up third. Although an absurd name and style, the band was enjoyable. 309 made the Sirens Sister look like an immature junior high garage band with their troubled rock style. Almost all of 309’s music consisted of girl drama and heartbreak, which was not a pleasant part of their performance, taking their music back to the junior high era.
Saving the best for last, If Bears Were Bees came on and swept up the weak and kicked them aside. There were several technical difficulties during the performance, but the band cleaned it up and continued to awe the audience. It was a mix between indie, folk and punk.
If Bears Were Bees have a different sound to them, different yet appealing. Vocalist and guitarist TJ Grant doesn’t have a breath-taking voice, however when he gets behind the mic he sings his heart out and puts on an excellent performance with the help of band mates Jeff Mead on bass and Mat Bainton, drums.
Out of these four bands, If Bears Were Bees definitely stood out and would without a doubt be a band I’d would take pleasure in seeing perform again.
