Still giddy and intoxicated from our Wooden Wand interview (see yesterday’s post) we sat down to watch a quality night of live music, and we weren’t to be disappointed. First to take the stage was Alisia Casper, who gave us some great English tinged folk tunes sung with a sublime, haunting voice.
Next up was Conquering Animal Sound, When electronica like this is done live it always interesting. You get to see the song being made before you, it feels kind of bespoke. Done well this is great to see and they certainly carried things off effortlessly.
Last and by no means least was Wooden Wand. We were in an ideal setting here for one man and his guitar. Toth’s expansive and sometimes dark lyrics were perfect for the low ceilings and candlelit tables, accompanied by drifting guitar melodies that seem to have a beauty and the beast quality to them, alarming yet comforting. They act as a natural path toward the vocals.
During parts of his performance it’s almost like looking in on a fireside scene of a lone cowboy with only his guitar and thoughts for company. His warmth and communication with the audience allowed you in though, offering little insights into the song, or telling a story to give it some personal relevance.
There were a few real stand out songs of the night for us. Servant To Blues (my favourite track off Death Seat), Shaving Cold and Bobby (which has a wonderful opening line), but without a shadow of a doubt though the song that stood as proud as a game rooster was Uncle Bill. This has been a well championed favourite here at Mad Mackerel, to a man.
If of course you were with the British faction of the Toth family that were in attendance you may well disagree with this selection. We would have made more of this at the time but we were outgunned and outnumbered.
We eagerly anticipate hearing more from Wooden Wand in 2011 and hopefully another live gig or two, or three, or four.
Remember you can still support Wooden Wand’s Kickstarter project by clicking here – lots of great offers from $10 upwards!
Download Wooden Wand – I Wouldn’t Do That mp3 (from Born Bad)
The Mad Mackerel 
i would have to agree Mad mackerel- ( as the english Toth!!)servant to blues is a great track on Death seat as is, -Hotel bar in the sky.
It’s the first time i’ve heard Uncle bill , but after a few listens -(on your site). i would have to concur…hopefully we’ll get too see this most underated Talent (w/wand) play again. And next time they’ll be even more Toth’s in attendance, from the far corners of the globe… peace and out ..