KaiserCartel at Eddie’s Attic

It’s always interesting to watch musicians perform for an audience that may not necessarily be fans, or even familiar, with the music being played.  No matter how winsome the musicians’ personalities are, cute banter in between songs can’t mask when a band just doesn’t have it.  The disconnect is tangible; it’s awkward.  The players know this, and the people watching them suddenly retreat to a restroom break, a text, or step out for a smoke.  Sometimes avoiding something is better than trying to fake enjoyment.  I’ll go further to say that musicians who sound amazing on record (I’m talking real musicians, not auto-tuned silicon bags) often miss their mark in a live setting.

And then there are the musicians who shine from the moment they step out onto the stage. I don’t think that anyone who attended KaiserCartel’s opening gig for Alice Peacock at Eddie’s Attic on May 14 left with any other impression than that of being completely charmed by the duo.  Showcasing mostly new songs from their upcoming sophomore CD, Secret Transit (Out June 8 on Daniel), I was impressed by how their sound had grown.  While their debut CD, March Forth was a folky/indie DIY boy-girl sort of affair, I’d been wondering if their follow up would develop their sound any further.

Secret Transit boasts a confidence that was lacking on March Forth.  The songs are more fleshed-out, the hooks more muscular, and the vocals stronger.  It’s KaiserCartel 2.o, and it’s apparent not only on the recordings, but also in their live show.  Courtney Kaiser and Ben Cartel sing with a newfound assurance.  As if they trust each other implicitly as they weave their voices together.  That’s not to say it’s a complete about-face.  I’m sure many of you will be relieved to know that they still incorporate xylophones and battery powered milk frothers, hand claps, and whistling into their work.  It’s what makes them so endearing.  It’s such a simple, home-made approach to building up their songs, that, once it’s all merged together, becomes amazingly rich.  Opener “Riverboat Dream” creates a watery ambiance that slowly welcomes the listener into their world.  And once they’ve got your attention, once the songs hit your brain, there’s no denying them.

Granted, when KaiserCartel bump up the tempo, that’s when their strengths really shine.  “Ready to Go” boasts some great vocal interplay between the two with boy/girl Ba Da Ba Bumps.  Stand outs “Carroll Street Station” and a cover of John Cougar Mellencamp’s “Worn Out Nervous Condition” are just as immediate, with chorus’ that hot glue themselves to the brain. The jangly “Around You” wouldn’t sound out of place on the radio, and with Summer fast approaching, would offer a nice three minute respite from what’s currently blasting out of top-40 radio.

Yet, while there’s nothing here as perfect and quiet and moving as “Okay”, the standout single from their debut, Secret Transit is, as a whole, just as intimate, focusing on the consequences of time spent together rather than time spent alone.  Not only do their voices now rely on each other, but KaiserCartel’s lyrics lean on each other as well.  “Wherever You Go” builds a bridge between two lovers, across “war worn yester-years” in a back and forth attempt to reconcile.  On closer, “The Wait”, Courtney sings that, “It all comes down to the wait/it’s you that I need so I wait”.  Clearly, she’s waiting for someone to return.  Someone she knows.  Someone she loves.  In many of the songs, they sing as much to each other as they do to the listener.

To end their live show, KaiserCartel unplugged and stepped into the audience, slowly walking around to each member of the audience, looking them in the eyes, and serenading them.  It’s a intimate, if jarring, thing for those who’ve never been sung to.  Yet, it’s also amazingly sincere.  When was the last time you saw an act that left you mesmerized?

Rather than hit a big stadium tour this Summer, spend your cash more wisely.  Pick up Secret Transit and catch KaiserCartel on tour this Summer.  You’ll be glad you did.

www.kaisercartel.com

www.twitter.com/kaisercartel