A Very Happy Hour
Huntington BeachNs Evening Hour have been around for less time than the gestation period of a (human) baby—their MySpace page was created on Nov. 21, 2008—but theyNve already landed a Monday-night residency this month at Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa, a coveted gig for local bands looking to get noticed. This prodigious pace is impressive, sure, but it probably has a lot to do with the fact Evening Hour are playing each of the monthNs gigs with fellow H.B. five-piece Moostache. Not only are they sharing the bill, but the bands also share two members: guitarist Scott Zschomler and keyboard player Bobby Waltman.
It would be unfair to say this connection is the only reason Evening Hour are enjoying their current exposure. Despite containing 40 percent identical lineups, donNt think of Evening Hour as a depository for MoostacheNs musical runoff. Seeing them back-to-back in concert makes it clear that Evening Hour are focused much more on straightforward rock, as opposed to the bluesy leanings of their cohorts. The band write on their site that theyNre influenced by everything from “the Stones to Fugazi to Pink Floyd to Joy Division,” though songs such as “Unnatural” and “Cairo” (both can be found on their MySpace) donNt really resemble any of those artists, instead recalling hints of post-grunge but with welcomed bouncy undertones.
Evening Hour are currently finishing up an EP, which, according to them, takes their music in a “slightly new direction” (not all that difficult when youNve only been around six months), specifically more of a “raw dance-rock feel.” The band are still doing some gestating of their own, but thereNs enough potential both live and on record to keep listeners interested in how they might develop once their metaphorical soft spots start to harden.
Evening Hour play with Moostache and the Steelwells at Detroit Bar, 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, (949) 642-0600; www.detroitbar.com. Mon., 9 p.m. Free. 21+.
Hey, Orange County/Long Beach musicians and bands! Mail your music, contact info, high-res photos and upcoming show dates for possible review to: Locals Only, OC Weekly, 2975 Red Hill Ave., Ste 150, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Or e-mail your link to:
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