In Portland, OR's continued dominance of all things SXSW, Horse Feathers calmly held the focused attention of a sizable South Austin crowd. Their centered, simple sound was perhaps the perfect antidote for those a little road-weary from the first full day and a half of nonstop music. Bringing gentle strings and skilled plucking out into the filtered sunshine of a back patio, Justin Ringle and his traveling company of excellent players reminded us that quiet music also rocks. In fact, the most impressive aspect of the performance was the incredible dynamic range and sensitivity showed by all four musicians, though particularly in the bowed cello and violin (and, eventually, saw). The group would be down to almost a whisper, then even less, only to come charging back out into a full-throated wail, elegantly pressing forward into their song.
Horse Feathers were a welcome respite from the noise junkies and buzz-hungry crowds Downtown. Now I can't wait for them to come around to Boston....
