Sarasota seems like an unlikely place for a burgeoning music scene but this Florida gulf coast town is bursting at the seams with both talent and drive. Though, it makes sense since Sarasota sports a couple of art colleges sprouting out creative types of all kinds. As a collective, Finch House Records has nurtured a cohesive scene and just released a two-disc 38 band compilation of Sarasota bands called Noise Ordinance. Impressive, yes. The first time Kristin and I played a show was this past summer on a Tuesday night with a couple of local acts. To our surprise the club (Pasttimes Pub) was packed wall to wall. For being the first time ever playing this town, to see people up to the front of the stage enjoying our music- even if they've never heard it before- was just amazing and inspiring.

This second show was being held at Cock and Bull, a woodsy cottage-like home with tons of down home appeal. Dogs roamed free in the large back patio area as well as inside the bar. They have a staggering beer wall like I've never seen with hundreds of different alcoholic beverages. My eyes were popping out of my head! Music happens outside in the back area. They've got two stages, one near the bar and one farther out, past a fire pit and picnic area.

Onto the the bands.

One of the main reasons I was looking forward to this show was to see this new band Cassolette, just because the drummer Pete Stolp was in one of my favorite Sarasota pop bands Saint Sweetheart. I don't think that band is active right now so I jumped at the chance just to see them. They just wowed me. So so so so good. They're really poppy and I'd liken them to Racecar and Inertia. Lead vocalist Cierra was enough smile and heart to make the flowing pop sounds shine. They've got a hit with "Stay Sweet" and for only playing a handful of shows these guys and gal are on the must watch list.

Kristin and I (for now on I will just say Hot Hands, alright?) played next. We'll prolly always be the odd band out no matter who we play with. Tonight we'd the be the loudest most rockin' which is all right with me. I played with my most extreme guitar setup yet with two big cabinets, two amp heads with my pedalboard feeding different effects through each amp. We weren't as hot and the fire pit that was raging as we played. It got a little out of control. Play with fire and you'll get burned hands- not as safe as hot hands. After playing we were interviewed by Marty from Finch House Magazine.

Also from Orlando was Andy Matchette and the Minks, playing a sweet post-emo soft rock. Andy's got solid songs and smooth vocal melodies as slick as his hair. Backing Andy is quite a competent band called The Minks featuring members of Band Marino and his sister on keyboard.

Next would be Slow Claw, from Nashville. The were touring around Florida to end up at the Harvest of Hope. They had played in Orlando the night before but we were at another show so this night was my first exposure to them. They play a blend of guitar driven (what passes for indie) rock, not without it's charm. Their set got better as it grew closer to the end, with a climatic ending leaving the singer playing guitar onstage by himself while the rest of the band placed the drum set in the grass in front of the stage and handed out percussion instruments and drumsticks to the audience and ended on a high note. Good and positive way to end a set.

Coming on last (and strong) is one of the flagships of the Sarasota scene, The Equines. Falling somewhere on the punk side of pop The Equines come across like an early NYC punk band with a heavy dose of Southern hospitality. Think Blondie mixed with Crowsdell. Using the traditional rock set up (guitar, bass and drums) they add a xylophone and mandolin player to the mix for a full and unique sound all held together by vocalist/guitarist Erin Murphy. They've released a seven song ep called 'Hearts on Faces' you download from their Myspace. It comes recommended.

Another fantastic night. Thank you, Sarasota.

Pictures:

Cassolette.

Cassolette.

Hot Hands.
Photo: David Daly.

Hot Hands.
Photo: David Daly.

Andy Matchette and the Minks.

Slow Claw.

The Equines.

The Equines.

Video:

 
Interview with Hot Hands by Marty at Finch House TV.

Links:
Cassolette.
Hot Hands.
Andy Matchette and the Minks.
Slow Claw.
The Equines.
Finch House Records Magazine.
Noise Ordinance CD.
Review of Cassolette via Creative Loafing.