- PREMIERE: Eloah Jones – “Under the Bridge” - November 18, 2021
- PREMIERE: Highbeams – “Campfires” - November 10, 2021
- Tali Azerad Shines on New Album - November 5, 2021
May 19, 2015
San Fermin, for those unfamiliar, is an eight-piece ensemble of talented musicians creating innovative music – founded and guided by Ellis Ludwig-Leone. Their new album Jackrabbit is a unique balance of styles and moods that sew together an impressive story. Their music doesn’t fit neatly into one of today’s ambiguous genres, and the variety they bring to the table is admirable and refreshing. San Fermin create music for adults, made by professionals.
The Troubadour is the perfect venue to see a band like this. Eight musicians on stage can sometimes feel crowded, but this performance was much more like watching a play. Each musician featured, each person playing an integral part of the bigger picture (and each with their own old-school light bulb!).
My last show at The Troub (as the kids call it) was an up-and-coming dance pop band called Years & Years. It was a great show, but the San Fermin experience was a very different animal. One look to the equally packed audience and I felt like a guest at two different parties. I had traded in a night with tank tops and backward hats for an evening with beards and button-downs. The difference between the two shows is like chicken nuggets to chicken Kiev at a five star restaurant. There’s nothing wrong with nuggets…I had a blast at the Y&Y show, but this is on a completely different level.
The musicianship and songwriting is one thing while in your headphones, but sometimes intricate creations like this can come across in a live setting like the musicians are taking an algebra test – just trying to get every note right. This was very much a band having fun, having a blast like any band should. It was really fun to see up close and when they come back I’ll see it again. Some songs highlighted the trumpet, others the saxophone, others the violin, guitar, and keys. Nearly every song was anchored by the two stunning voices piloting San Fermin, Charlene Kaye and Allen Tate. The band wove back and forth from new songs to their older material, with the infectious energy of songs like “Woman In Red” and “Jackrabbit” paired with more contemplative vibes of tracks like “Astronaut” and “The Woods.” Oh, did I mention they closed out the show with a performance of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” to cap things off?
Not much more needs to be said. If you get the chance to see San Fermin – do it. If you have yet to check out Jackrabbit and are open to music that thrives outside the typical catchy chorus universe of the mainstream, do yourself a favor and get a copy. Treat yourself to creative art, lasting music, and thoughtful lyricism far more intelligent than comparing chicken preparations.
