The Loom’s John Fanning and BOBBY’s Amelia Meath couldn’t have more different voices, but both were on display on Saturday night at Mercury Lounge, treating listeners to a one-two punch that was varied in delivery but equal in impact.
Fanning was up first, with a deep and raw voice that evokes earthbound honesty. Joined by the build and boom of Jon Alvarez’s drums, Fanning led The Loom through a great set of songs, mostly pulled from the band’s debut album, Teeth. Don’t let my talk of rawness and depth confuse you, though; Sarah Renfro and Lis Rubard added polish and shine on the top with vocals, keyboard, and brass, seamlessly melding low and the high throughout the set. The band played a couple of new and promising songs toward the end of the set, as well, and when the quintet approached shared microphones for a vocal-heavy adieu, I was sad to see them go but excited about what comes next for The Loom.
Next on Saturday was BOBBY. The last time I saw BOBBY play the stage was nearly pitch-black, illuminated only by a flickering projector. Although the stage benefited from a little more light on Saturday, the band members remained more shapes than real faces in the dim red wash. It was a fitting light for a band whose music is encased in reverb and echo. If Meath’s other group, Mountain Man, is dedicated to distilling harmonies, BOBBY is about distorting them.
Though guitarist and singer Tom Greenberg sat center stage, Meath remains BOBBY’s beacon. Where Fanning’s voice is honest and unadorned, Meath’s can turn corners, hitting the audience like a siren. Tracks that showcased her vocals – notably “Sore Spores” and “We Saw” – were true standouts in a set that suffered slight schizophrenia. BOBBY seems like a band that is still figuring out its identity. They continue to get closer and closer, though, and I’m sure this won’t be the last we hear from them.
The Loom and BOBBY have two more dates together:
Tuesday, December 6th @ Great Scott; Boston, MA
Wednesday, December 7th @ Iron Horse; Northampton, MA
