Scout 12-13-11

by David Holland

I have to admit from the start that I was highly anticipating this past Tuesday. The reason for this is because I would get to see Scout for the first time in years. Also it was good to see my friend Ashen as it had been way too long since we last saw each other. The fact that the majority of my favorites were going to be played made me even happier if that was possible.

I first discovered Scout a little over 8 years ago as they along with the Setting Sun opened for The Damnwells at Northsix (now known as The Music Hall of Williamsburg). On that particular night, I had went there to record The Damnwells as they were friends of mine. However by the end of the night, as much as I loved their set, my main feeling was of disappointment from not having room to record Scout. I fell in love with them the minute they started to play their first song.

Back to this past Tuesday when I along with Carolyn & Melanie headed to Rockwood Music Hall to catch their 6PM set. Much to my surprise, the crowd was very light in numbers. However this did not stop them from enjoying what was an excellent set.

The opening number was On This Perfect Day which was from their 2000 debut album It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time. The next song happens to be one of my personal favorites, So Close with the haunting chorus of "So I'm stuck down here with my heart in a splint, And I'm getting so close to calling it quits". This was followed up by one of my other personal favorites Wrong From Right. I just melted listening to Ashen sing my favorite lyrics "Cause I miss you from afar, I miss you across the sea, I miss you on the road, Miss you missing me". When I first heard that song, I actually teared up with how beautiful it is. These two songs alone have been played thousands of times by me between the actual track or just me on my guitar.

Other track highlights included 2 songs off their recently released EP Pi, which I suggest you purchase (Buy Now!), Please Excuse Me & Under Attack. We also got a great twist on the Guided By Voices track Game Of Pricks. Even with the brief forgetfulness of lyrics by Ashen which led to a restart, it could not take away from this enjoyable cover.

For a band known for their trademark guitar sounds, the stripped down version of Ashen & Steve Schiltz (Hurricane Bells) definitely hit the spot. Even though it was weird at first to see Ashen without a guitar, all it did was showcase how subtly amazing her voice truly is. The chemistry & flow between her voice & Steve's guitar work was extremely evident. I can't wait until their new full length album All Those Relays comes out as I guarantee it will be amazing. After all, Ashen is involved!