Derby at Wonder Ballroom
Jun 7th, 2008 by Brad
Portland’s own Derby played at the Wonder Ballroom this past Friday night. This show was a CD Release party for Derby’s “Posters Fade” CD.
I first came across Derby at two different shows at the Doug Fir (including the FirFest) and really liked their sound. At that time I said, “These local boys really have music that is fun and damn it just so catchy that their tunes stick in your mind. Their new CD is in final production, and I can’t wait to get a copy.”
Now I have the CD and like it on my first spins. It was worth the wait. I wish they would have added a bonus track of their great earlier song “This Conversation.”
On the new CD, Ryan Wines write in his blog “Pet Marmoset” writes, “Posters Fade champions Derby’s signature sound of sweeping soft melodies and upbeat hooks, draped over bouncy keys, punchy guitars, and a healthy dose of 50’s-era drum beats… Good luck keeping this record off of your year-end lists. This one is a K.O.”
The show started off with a very energetic and strong feel. Their music is bright, smart, and damn catchy. If things go right these local boys could really have a larger influence.
The second half of the show featured different local musicians on nearly every song. Derby has a lot of respect from many of their peers in the upcoming Portland music scene. Scores of people joined them on stage. They were members of bands such as The Dimes, Tango Alpha Tango, Oh Darling, Dominic Castillo & the Rock Savants, Crosstide, Theopolis, Deepest Darkest, and more. While likely very fun for everyone on stage, in my mind this is where the show dragged down some. Even talented musicians need a few songs to get into the grove and the transitions cut down on the energy. This gave it the feel of a party at a warehouse studio jam session. Great if you are in an amongst everyone on stage, but less of a show if you are part of an audience. Crosstide and Climber opened for Derby.
