It’s rare to catch an opening act that can overshadow its headliner, but that’s just what Other Lives did during their recent stop at Velvet Jones alongside headliner S. Carey. Luckily for those who missed it, the Oklahoma-based five-piece is making a return trip to S.B. on Tuesday, this time in support of The Rosebuds at SOhO.
For their second full-length effort, the recently released Tamer Animals, the band has crafted a set of songs that are both moody and lush, walking the fine—and rarely well-executed—line between Fleet Foxes’ pastoral folk and Rufus Wainwright’s affected chamber pop. Other Lives are no doubt adept album makers; Animals paints a grand-scale picture of lost loves and dizzying travels. Onstage, though, the band truly comes to life. Frontman Jesse Tabish immediately calls to mind The National’s Matt Berninger in both tone and timber, a low-voiced and booming presence in the live setting and on record. In turn, cellist/pianist Jenny Hsu hovers over her instruments, drawing from them a wealth of emotion and power. The percussion, which looms large over Animals’ recorded parts, hits hard in person. Together, brushed drums, deep rich organ tones, and a heavy helping of booming bass make the ideal backbone for Tabish’s low-register purrs and growls. At the center, though, lies Tabish, who personifies the enigmatic frontman. Small in stature, slightly disheveled, and equally proficient behind the keys and guitar, Tabish is a wonder to watch onstage and, together with Other Lives, is bound to be taking over headlining duties in the coming months. For a true I-caught-them-back-when performance, we highly recommend putting Tuesday’s show on your to-do list.
Other Lives play SOhO Restaurant & Music Club (1221 State St.) this Tuesday, July 5, at 8 p.m. Call 962-7776 or visit sohosb.com for tickets and info.