SXSW Thursday, March 18, 1999
Orange Kandy
at the Atomic Café
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photo by Phil Bailey |
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Orange Kandy |
--Phil Bailey
Tim Easton
at the Ritz Lounge
Although this Columbus, OH singer-songwriter recently released his first solo effort, Special 20 (Heathen Records), he is still probably best known as the main force behind the Haynes Boys.
This band's rough and tumble Midwestern rock 'n' folk 'n' honky tonk bar roll usually makes for a memorable evening when live. Easton in the past has been rather effective as well as a live solo performer, but his catch is grabbing you through the song and the voice rather than the hook and the power of the 'Boys.
For the long journey to Austin, Easton brought along his compatriots to back him up, raucously punching through both Haynes Boys standards such as "New Franklin County Woman" and Easton solo songs such as "Just Like Home."
The venue was a little too swank for such a raw performance, although the crowd was attentive and rather transfixed. Shoved in a small corner of the front below a big film screen, Easton and the 'Boys filled the Swingers -esque room with their Replacements meets Wilco sound.
Easton's vocal twang can sound slightly forced at times when recorded, but he eased into a comfortable drawl on stage that fit the music and him rather well. It rose to a powerful swell when necessary to pierce the rocking din, and gave quieter moments an edgy, emotional feel. Many artists can't effectively pull off such vocal range, but Easton handled the switches nicely.
While the general subjects of Easton's songs typically have something to do with a woman, the lyrics and songs are usually more complex. He is a bit of a storyteller in song, a fact that comes through very clear on solo nights.
On this night, however, he was not a true soloist. Nonetheless, it was an impressive display from a fine singer-songwriter and his ready-to-rock buddies.
--Jeff Montgomery
