The Roasterie continues to build a reputation as one of the city’s more interesting venues for smaller, generally acoustic-oriented performers. The shows are all-ages and free (although donations are encouraged), and the artists who perform are quite often touring acts from all over the country. It’s a great opportunity to experience underground and truly independent talent that otherwise wouldn’t have much of a chance for exposure in Kansas City.

Last night’s show opened with the always-intriguing namelessnumberheadman. A two-piece tonight consisting of Chuck Whittington on guitar and Andrew Sallee on drums (third member Jason Lewis was in Boston), the group worked through several tracks from this year’s great Wires Reply album, as well as a few older pieces. With a set up of just an electric guitar and keyboard, the band’s usual mix of electronic and organic pieces were stripped down to just a single electric guitar and a piano soundbank on a keyboard.

I’d like to see what the band could do with an all-acoustic format sometime. It would be an interesting experience, and I think the weight of many of the group’s lyrics might carry a little heavier when presented outside of the enjoyably busy arrangements around them. Not a permanent change or anything – just maybe an odd show here or there. Admittedly, moving an upright piano around is a pain in the ass, but here’s to hoping.

The second band, Bella, was a no-show, and so the night moved on to San Francisco’s Matt Adams, who performs as Blank Tapes. I will admit I was initially pessimistic about his performance, but by the end of the second song it was clear that Adams believed in what he was doing and is sincere about his craft. His songs were, for the most part, simply written and dealt with common issues – love, rejection, loneliness – and delivered in a voice that was often reminiscent of Magnetic Fields’ Stephen Merritt, albeit without the innuendo-heavy, confident self-effacement.

Although the crowd was somewhat sparse, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and really, what was there to complain about? A free show featuring one of the better local bands in a different format than usual, and an independent touring singer/songwriter . . . I’d like to see the Roasterie continue their willingness to host these types of events. There is a large network of artists out there right now who aren’t concerned about upfront guarantees, cuts of the door, or finely-tuned sound systems. With all-ages venues like The Daily Grind or Gee Coffee now nothing more than legends of the local music scene, it’s refreshing to see a new location stepping up to fill the void.

BTW - nice to meet you David, good luck figuring out the SLR!

namelessnumberheadman
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blank tapes
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the roasterie
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