Seattle’s latest and greatest baroque pop band, Tomten, will perform Thursday, 2/23 at Neumos with Pica Beats and Curtains for You. Tomten goes on at 9pm sharpish.
KEXP describes Tomten, who hope to release a 10 inch vinyl EP in April and a full length work in June, in this way, “Well-crafted and steeped in the music of ’60s girl groups and British bands, with a variety of impeccably arranged songs featuring reverb guitars, organ, gorgeous harmonies, and catchy pop melodies.”
EPB thinks Tomten are supercool and wonders if the band name is derived from the Scandinavian Christmas elves of the same nomenclature, which were coincidentally featured in an EPB photo essay last yuletide.
EPB’s Holly Homan saw the band Curtains For You last fall at the Neptune Theater and loved them. “This five-piece band plays jangly pop music with a kick,” she wrote in her review. “This is a young band too. I doubt any of the members are even thirty. There was a hint of Beatles in their music, but other than that, it’s hard to compare them with anyone. Their music stands on its own. Singer, Matt Gervais, not only has a pleasant voice, but he oozes charisma from every pore. He looks a little like Kurt Cobain but with slightly darker hair. On guitar is Matt’s brother Mikey whose catchy licks compel you to dance along. At one point, Matt shed his guitar and performed a wicked drum solo. Resulting in raucous cheers from the audience. Even the Posies’ Ken Stringfellow came out and sang three-part harmony with the band. He looked very dapper wearing all black including black patent leather shoes anda black button up pea coat. This is a band to be on the watch for. They could be the next Posies. They play danceable tunes, emit a great stage presence and were very much enjoyed by everyone in attendance. I will definitely see them again.”
