Waters - Out In The Light (2011)

While Port O’Brien was great, especially the boisterous “I Woke Up Today” and its equally playful video, I love Van Pierszalowski’s new band, Waters even more. It’s quickly becoming one of my most played albums this summer. Decidedly more indie rock than folk, Waters is also louder and feels more emotionally raw. “For The One” (mp3) kicks off the album with a blur of catchy fuzz that just begs to be turned up, as if the guitar was playing through blow out amps. Two of my other favorites on the album similarly embrace the rock n’ roll spirit — “Back To You” is driven by thumping drums and vocals escalating at the chorus, while “Take Me Out To The Coast” incorporates remnants of his old band’s communal sing alongs. However, not all of the album is pushed into the red, it's actually quite balanced. The quiet strumming on “Mickey Mantel” highlights a wonderful yearning chorus. If only all my favorite bands came back this strong after breaking up.

Waters plays at the Branx on Thursday with Mister Heavenly.

WATERS - For The One by cityslang

Thursday's Epic Set of Concerts

Every once and a while the concert gods like to fuck with me by having a month's worth of awesome shows all on one night. Usually, that means I have to make some tough decisions -- do I go with the old favorites, the new buzz bands I'm digging, or a rock n' roll spectacle?

At first glance, this Thursday appears to be just that type of night. Longtime favorites Hillstomp and the Builders & the Butchers, are playing at the Deschutes Street Fare, along with the new and fantastic Lost Lander. Then on the other side of the river, Waters, another new favorite, are opening for Mister Heavenly at Branx, while the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion play at the Wonder Ballroom.

On this night, the concert gods seem to be feeling particularly mischievous -- staggering the set times just enough to entertain the possibility that I could pull of all three events in one night. Think of it as prep for the nightly MusicFestNW hustle. Either way, there is no way I missing the Street Fare, especially since the $10 entry fee covers my first beer. So the question becomes, can I make catch Waters set and still make it up to the Wonder to see the veteran showmen?