Horns, harmonies, and incredible melodies unfolded at the Beachland Tavern last night from the eight instrumental voices that make up Rubblebucket.
The vibrant and colorful performance alternated between songs from both of the band’s albums, though it leaned on tracks from the upcoming Omega La La.
Rubblebucket’s arrangements were exciting and surprising, with each member unselfishly filling their role. Alex Toth (on trumpet and vocals) danced like David Byrne, sometimes in sync with trombonist and partner-in-harmony Adam Dotson, while Kalmia Traver traded lead vocals and baritone sax.
Behind them, Ian Hersey carved out catchy lines and the occasional solo on guitar, and Darby Wolf laid a bed of chords on the keys while Jordan Brooks shaped the foundation with solid bass punches. David Cole and Craig Myers sculpted three-dimensional rhythms between a kit and auxiliary percussion.
This article appears in Jun 15-21, 2011.