Appropriately named, DC based band, These United States took the long way to get to Louisville making stops in 26 cities before stopping last night at The 930 Listening Room. They are promoting their debut album, A Picture of the Three of Us at the Gates of the Garden of Eden, just released March 4th (read some reviews). Their sound is a beautiful blend of folk, pop, country and rock and lead singer Jessie Elliot ties it all together with warm, poetic lyrics (ala Andrew Bird) and a contagious easy-going style. The show was equally easy-going, with tUs often asking for assistance from tour-mates Vandaveer and locals Dude Plays Saxophone. The 930 is set up with chairs lining the stage about 15 rows deep and a general standing area behind the seating area. Most of the crowd was seated, including myself, for most of the show, which seemed okay with Jessie, although he said, sarcastically, that they were going to stop playing if we didn’t quiet down. I actually liked the 930 set-up and the coffee was fantastic (replacing the usual Stella in my hand). The 930 as a venue is definitely suited for this type of band (as opposed to, say, Man Man), and will be PERFECT for the Stars of the Lid show there later this month, on the 24th (ambient music that is mood altering). For the Lexington folk reading this, you have a chance to see tUs, tonight, 4/5, at the Dame. You won’t be disappointed (unless you miss the show). In a side note, their set list was written on the back of a plate (see below). This qualifies as a candidate for most unique set list art…along with Brigid Kaelin’s set list on a bourbon napkin.

Vandaveer opened and was a great compliment to tUs. They sound like a mix of Tom Waits and Iron & Wine. This was their third show at The 930, probably due to the fact that lead singer, Mark Charles, is a Kentucky native, now calling DC home. He had a similar stage presence as Jessie Elliot, perhaps drawn out by the intimate nature of the venue and his familiarity with it. Their sound was more toned down with Charles on the guitar and Rose providing a harmonizing vocal background. Drummer Robby Catholic (of Lex’s Scourge of the Sea) added the percussion (for both Vandaveer and tUs). Fantastic all around.

These United States- First Sight

Vandaveer- Marianne, You’ve Done it Now

Set List

1. Remember Dear
2. Then Says Cain
3. We Go Down to that Corner
4. Already Got a Girl Who Calls Me That
5. Kings & Aces
6. Jennie Anne
7. Sun is Below & Above
8. First Sight
9. Slow Crows Over
10. Burn This Bridge

Pics below the break…

Vandaveer