The Hotel Café on Cahuenga has earned a reputation over the past few years as a cozy little venue where one can check out top-notch musical talent in an intimate setting any night of the week. Many well-known artists have stopped through here on their way to stardom (John Mayer, Imogen Heap, and Rufus Wainwright, just to name a few) and showcasing up-and-coming talent has become the house specialty. The venue is a regular outlet for KCRW-sponsored acts, and musicians who have earned DJ Nic Harcourt’s coveted seal of approval (in the form of regular play on his influential show, Sounds Eclectic) often grace the stage. However, although the Hotel Café suffers no dearth of talent, its mellow environs reward certain performances more than others. Acoustic acts in particular are afforded the opportunity to truly shine, as the shallow dimensions of the room make every note, every drumbeat, and every chord much more distinct.
It is this quality that makes the Hotel Café an ideal place to appreciate the particular talents of Chris and Thomas, an L.A. duo with a Liverpool pedigree. Last Tuesday’s set, timed to coincide with the release of their first studio album, Land of Sea, exemplified what the band does best. The genius of Chris and Thomas lies in their ability to take several relatively simple elements and layer them, interweaving the sonic threads one by one into a cohesive groove that takes you, the listener, by the hand and guides you through their world. Their music is subtle yet strong, basic but complex, both flighty and ponderous. Their lyrics encourage the listener to consider the world around them; to see with artist’s eyes the beauty and wonder of the human experience, but also to acknowledge the yearning within.
Chris and Thomas themselves are unassuming guys, and if the first flush of success has gone to their heads it doesn’t show in the slightest. They are affable and engaging on stage, joking with the audience (and each other) at the least provocation. The delicately constructed harmonies comprised of their voices and instruments (mandolin and guitar) are at the core of all of their songs, but they are joined at different times by a cello, a stand-up bass, a pedal steel guitar, even a trumpet. This menagerie of disparate sounds might amount to mere clutter in the hands of less accomplished musicians, but each element is used sparingly and exquisitely in accomplishing its intended purpose – accentuating and highlighting the rich vocals. Simone on the cello was a particular delight on Land of Sea and Don’t Hang Your Heart, as the haunting deep notes of her instrument complemented the intricate guitar parts perfectly.
The crowd on this night was a bit crunchier than your typical KCRW event – a lot of beards and spectacles on the guys, a lot of summer dresses and apron tops on the girls. The laid-back vibe suggested whole thing could have just as easily taken place on a grassy riverbank under the sun as opposed to a darkened café less than a block south of Hollywood Boulevard. The crowd was engrossed in the music, especially coming to life during a spirited, off-the-cuff rendition of an original German-inspired folk tune right in the middle of the set. It featured Thomas singing in a kind of yodel over Chris’ vocal bass; and while certainly a more lighthearted moment, it nonetheless engaged the audience and infected them with the same sense of playfulness exhibited onstage. And by the time the two of them launched into their signature piece, Take These Thoughts, the audience was spellbound.
It was a great night for indie folk music – and another step in the journey for Chris and Thomas. In addition to completing Land of Sea, they recently co-wrote the title song for Georgia Rule (starring Lindsay Lohan) and have been touring to promote their album. Their next show is July 20th at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, the venerable Santa Monica locale also known for rising talent. Chris and Thomas have risen – the only question is how high they will go.
