He’s My Brother She’s My Sister Packs the House

Last Friday night, September 18, L.A. band, He’s My Brother She’s My Sister (HMBSMS), gave a truly unique show at SOhO music club and restaurant. Following an easy listening performance by Danny Boy Wright and an energized set by Kera and the Lesbians, HMBSMS started the night off with one of their newer tracks, “Live in a Dream.” The siblings, Rachel and Rob Kolar, split the role of frontperson: generally Rachel shakes and taps a tambourine, while her brother plays guitar. However, for this new track Rachel led the band with her impressive vocal range.

After a lively “Slow It Down,” the Kolar siblings took a moment to introduce their fellow band mates: Aaron Robinson on steel guitar; Olly Newell on double bass; and Lauren Brown on taps and drums. Brown gave the folk band an edge by not only banging out some killer beats but tap dancing at the same time. Her stamina is commendable as she tapdanced, drummed, and banged her head with passion for an entire hour.

After playing one of their classics, “The Same Old Ground,” Newell, covered in sweat with a huge smile on his face, stripped down to just his pants. It was hard to look away from him, but attention was quickly drawn back to center stage when Kera, from opening act Kera and the Lesbians, joined the siblings for an updated rendition of “Clackin’ Heels.” Kera wasn’t the only surprise guest — an enthusiastic fan got 15-minutes of rock star fame when Rachel bent to her knees to sing “Escape Tonight” with the audience member.

Near the end of the show, the fun-loving crew put their own spin on the Mamas and the Papa’s “Straight Shooter,” the blend of Rachel and Rob’s voices and Browns’s taps perfectly recreating the ’60s pop-rock anthem. It was hard to tell who loved the song more — the band or the crowd.

With bright smiles and overflowing energy, HMBSMS gave a raw performance that could fill up any venue and create an evening of pure joy.