Brenda’s Friend + Full Sun EP release // Live at The Void
Bloomington-based duo Brenda’s Friend, comprised of Erin Tobey and Amy Oelsner, wrapped up their four-day tour with an EP release of their album House Down at The Void last Sunday night.
The Void, one of Bloomington’s intimate-style public venues, was borderline home-y with the friendly staff and fairy lights gracing the ceiling. It took another glance around to notice why it’s called the Void (notice the spiraling, black oblivion below).
Brenda’s Friend and Full* Sun were joined by Matthew C. Jenkins of Virigina with his mellow, romance-inspired tunes. His other-worldly and carefree melodies and chambray/khaki get-up seemed almost out of place against the grey-black swirl of the Void.
As audience members dispersed outside for a break from the now overheated venue, Full* Sun prepared to take the stage. Their set was a complete turn-around from Jenkins’ . Described as a “ band turned solo project turned band again,” Full* Sun launched right into their punk/power-pop songs from their new EP Stick It from Let’s Pretend Records. Erin Tobey of Brenda’s Friend joined frontman Jeff Grant on stage as a guitarist and back-up vocalist to bring you one hell of a show in musicianship as well as performance. Grant’s solos were clean and tasteful without going all over the place, and Tobey’s background harmonies provided that extra something to make the songs feel full but not overloaded.
Brenda’s Friend (the last to take the stage) had a very simple set up of a mic for Tobey and Oelsner, two guitars, two bass drums, and a snare. The unique thing about Brenda’s Friend is that they utilize their voices and harmonies for the main attraction, such as with their opening track of the night
“Horoscope”; the instruments are merely there to fill in the sound. They revisited numerous songs from their previous album Under the Shrub, such as “Comedy Show” — a ballad alluding to elements of a comedy show with a catchy, repetitive guitar riff — and “King of the Doctors” — my personal favorite.
House Down, which has been receiving media attention for their single “Pas De Deux,” is a grab back of tunes, ranging from folk and drifting guitars to pop-inspired doo-woop harmonies.
House Down was released via Winspear Records and can be pre-ordered here.
Full* Sun’s EP was released on tape via Let’s Pretend Records and is now available for purchase.