The Central Presbyterian Church Downtown has been host to some of the best local and national acts. During SXSW this year, Fiona Apple, The Dream, Grimes, Purity Ring and M. Ward all played sets there. Known for its incredible acoustics and ornate stained glass, the Central Presbyterian is an awesome setting for listening to live music and is definitely worth experiencing sooner rather than later if you haven’t yet. At Central Presbyterian, the pristine acoustics beg for lush instrumentation and crisp melodies, and this Saturday two local bands will be filling the church with just that. Symphonic and dramatic pop group Linen Closet and dark folk rockers Hello Caller are set to play, and I believe the Central Presbyterian may be one of the best places to listen to both of these bands.
Linen Closet
Linen Closet, a band consisting of up to 13 members, leads with their emotive vocals and textured swells. By building a song from just vocals and piano to instrumentation that includes booming percussion, violins, banjos and more, the group builds dramatic and epic crescendos. Linen Closet released a 4-track EP in March of last year titled, Bright Wing, that contains songs that are hushed yet powerful bombastic but intimate. At times Linen Closet’s reminds me of Grizzly Bear – think “Foreground” off of Veckatimest for a reference point. The band’s sound is well-suited for the expansive church and to make sure their sound fills the room, Linen Closet is adding symphonic instruments and musicians to their typical lineup. For a sample of what’s to come on Saturday, check out “All Your Crying” the lead track off Bright Wing below.
Hello Caller
Hello Caller’s songs are created in singer/songwriter style. Stripped down to solo vocals and solo guitar or banjo these songs sound great. Yet, on top of these core elements Hello Caller layer backup vocals, cello and melodic percussion. This gives Hello Caller a fuller sound and amps up the drama. I’ve always been a sucker for cello, for its ability to add texture and intensity. Sadie Wolfe, who you might know from Wild Child, lends sweeping cello parts to Hello Caller’s sound. The group’s debut EP/demo solidified them in my mind as a breakout folk act but I’ve never actually had the pleasure of catching them live. So I’m definitely excited to catch these guys in one of the best listening rooms that Austin has to offer. Take a listen to Hello Caller’s tunes at their Bandcamp page.
Be sure to come out to the show on Saturday entry is free. So it’s a great opportunity to check out one of the best sounding venues and some local bands that will fill it up beautifully. Central Presbyterian Church is located at 200 E. Eighth St. 78701. See y’all there!
-Dan