Five Minutes of Bliss
April 17th, 2009
The Apple War (Chop Suey April 16th 2009)
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The Apple War is hard to hammer into a hole, which may be why i recommend EVERYONE go see this refreshing display of delicate showmanship. Lead singer Luke Houghlum, commands and compromises as his haunting vocals seem to dance and play over a canvas of guitars, bass, drums, piano… even a mouth organ. All this Brit Pop sensibility collapsing into vocal only harmony that allow bandmates to switch instruments and reinvent into contrasting pianos. In the background, drummer and bassist dismantle select drums (floor tom, snare drum and crash cymbal) to place forefront on stage. Suddenly dueling sad pianos thunder in snare rolls (drummer/ bassist in unison) which pound over key and string, battling for limelight in a swaying stormy sea.
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Eventually, a massive crash ends all this violence of sound and the bassist reappears playing a Mouth Organ which sighs like some wartime trumpeter into the refreshing silence accented by their drummer who has now accosted the microphone with whispering song. Through all this, the band is actually smiling… Smiling into their set’s apocalyptic demise.
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One of the Best shows I have seen in Seattle in some time, The Apple War deserves your attention. Given more time to continue exploring their live manic pop experimentations, they could easily be one the brightest new stars in Seattle.
April 17th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
jennifer robbins said:
I agree.I was highly impressed .I smiled hugely,laughed my heart out and was so very impressed with the combination of the technical and the imaginitive.The lyrics were brilliant and witty.Charming and charazmatic is…. The Apple War!!!!.Bravo Gents!Keep up the great music.You are definitely a diamond in the rough!Thankyou for bringing joy into my life at chop suey last nite :)
April 17th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
mercedes said:
can’t wait for apple war’s next show on may 8 at the Sunset – keep the tunes coming!
April 17th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Dustin king said:
The Apple War never ceases to amaze me. They are such an original sound with really great instrumentals and a lead singer who is very close to extraordinary. Very much a big time up and comer in the Seattle Music scene. they play such great melodic music and the band members are very beautiful and respectful people.
April 17th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Chris Morales said:
The Apple War makes me happy!