Red Bull Sound Select Presents: Wye Oak, Maiah Manser and Us Lights @ the Tractor Tavern, 1/6/16

First and foremost, the Red Bull Sound Select have been my personal favorite shows for the past few years. For $3 (with an advance RSVP),  you get the chance to see some on-the-rise indie talent in a more intimate setting. Wednesday nights' show was no departure.

Because of the RSVP, people gathered early, and by the time doors opened, there was already a line wrapped around the block of the Tractor Tavern. This was no real surprise, seeing as these shows always promise to be very lively, and always deliver.

The opening band Us Lights joined us from Portland, OR and really impressed with their 5-person rock group. Lead vocalist Michael Young showcased stellar vocal work and confidently led the band through a well-received set.

Next up was Seattle's own Maiah Manser. Highly regarded locally, Maiah has recently been featured on 107.7 The End's Locals Only show. She is an incredible performer and an even more extraordinary singer. Mixing abstract, electronic noises with vocals that can be compared to La Roux and even Bjork, her act is obviously building momentum for a promising 2016.

Finally, the headlong act Wye Oak absolutely brought the house down. The Baltimore band hasn't had any recent releases, but their collection of upbeat rock music proved to be timeless and efficient. Lead singer and guitarist Jenn Wasner balanced superbly with drummer and keyboardist Andy Stack, and the two maintained a fun and infectious energy throughout their whole set. Wearing a smile for nearly the whole performance, Jenn clearly was absorbing the audiences energy for their brief visit in the Northwest, and we hope they will be back soon. 

Eric Luck, 2016