Better Together: Dawes and Vetiver

By Kim Bellware in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 10, 2010 4:20PM

Every few seasons when the music world whips itself into a frenzy over a particular genre (see: "chill wave"), one can't help but wonder if a group will become a pop music footnote or time-tested classic once the buzz dies down.

For Vetiver, the Devendra Banhart-affiliated group that was an outgrowth of the '07-'08 freak-folk/"naturalismo" trend, it may be too soon to make that call, though their warm, Americana music has proved to be more timeless than trendy. The band hasn't released any new full-length material since last year's Tight Knit, but if their current tour supporting fellow mellow-rockers, Dawes, is any indication, Vetiver will be mining the sound of 1960s and '70s California well into the next decade.

Dawes, for their part, are relative newcomers to the scene with only 2009's North Hills under their belt (though their list of collaborators features some solid musicians, including Wilco's Pat Sansone). Like Vetiver, Dawes' brand of folk rock is a upbeat, occasionally winsome and full of references--both musical and lyrical--to vintage California canyon life.

For all their similarities, the bands still have their own particular verve that distinguishes their related sounds; Vetiver occasionally leans into the more electronic and experimental with decidedly un-folksy fills and tangents while Dawes delves even further into a pastoral, strum and finger-pick heavy shade of folk. Both are equally strong stand-alone bands, but joined on one bill their musical complements will make for a particularly good exploration of current neo-folk. An added bonus: both bands evoke a gauzy, West Coast warmth, making us eager to take them in as an antidote for the approaching chilly weather.

Dawes (with Vetiver and Peter Wolf Crier) play Lincoln Hall tonight, November 10, at 9 p.m., Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln, $15, 21+