The slow sweep of summer break, sunlit days that yawn out into infinity, and the pock of a single snare -- those are some of the sleepy, sweet vibes coming off Woods [1]’ At Echo Lake (Woodsist).
The New York combo made an impression on moi at 2009’s South by Southwest, thanks to its gently experimental tendencies -- its fuzztone favoritism, love o’ noodling, and interest in dabbing odd dashes of electronics over otherwise unassuming rock. At the time Woods provided a down-low yet daring counterpoint to the lo-fi poppiness going down all around.
This time, the group seems to be taking notes from the twee pop contingent. Backward-masking style touches, folksy acoustic guitar, and little candy-colored shards of noise are added to the lightly pensive nostalgic mood. Picking up the triangle and hosting a small cavalcade of handclaps, Woods wonders, “Who knows what tomorrow will bring / And it shows,” on “Suffering Season” -- and you can’t help but echo the sentiment. What would Woods do, next?
Woods perform June 11 at Slim's, 333 11th St., S.F. 8 p.m., $16. (415) 522-0333, www.slims-sf.com [2]. Woods also play June 12 at the Woodsist Festival at Henry Miller Memorial Library, Highway 1, Big Sur. 3-11 p.m.,$22.50. www.henrymiller.org [3]
Links:
[1] http://www.myspace.com/woodsfamilyband
[2] http://www.slims-sf.com
[3] http://www.henrymiller.org