By Will Roper
Photos by Brittany Ward
July 16, 2018
Despite a relatively low turnout to the downtown bars on Thursday night, two out-of-town bands and a local solo-artist put on excellent performances of blues, folk and vintage pop at 1867 Bar.
Local solo act Luna River, New Orleans band Pony Hunt and Colorado band in/Planes performed at the 1867 Bar Thursday night from 9 p.m. to midnight
Luna River, going by her stage name, started the night with an acoustic guitar set, and delivered some great folk songs through the combination of her strong vocals and superb 6-string skills. She said most of the songs she played had never been performed live before, yet every one of her songs was confident and full of energy. Luna River’s folk music was lively and detailed, and was a perfect entry into the next two bands.
Up next were Pony Hunt from New Orleans. Comprised of Jessie Antonick on lead guitar and vocals and Sam Doores on drums, vocals and guitar, the duo were joined by in/Planes musicians Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan for a full band experience as the two pairs tour together across different parts of the country.
Like in/Planes, Antonick described Pony Hunt’s genre as a mix of many – culminating in what they call “vintage pop.” Inspiration can definitely be heard through old folk and pop songs while still maintaining a new authenticity and modern sound, and that could certainly be heard through Pony Hunt’s set. The blend of Antonick’s and Doores’ vocals on different songs turned what could be heard as older pop folk songs into a newer, divergent style. Their voices were perfect together, and the New Orleans influence could definitely be heard. The storytelling and overall songwriting were also top-notch, and with a full band of two guitars, drums and bass, the performance was wonderful.
The last set of the night was by the duo in/Planes with husband and wife Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan, who were fresh off their afternoon performance on KZUM. With Garcia on bass and vocals and Lujan on vocals and guitar, the pair were accompanied by drummer Doores for their own unique set of what they call vintage pop. With a wide range of inspirations from Buddy Holly, Otis Redding and The Wailers, Garcia and Lujan put on an incredible performance that was both beautiful and at times haunting. Garcia and Lujan took turns leading the vocals on different songs, and their own unique voices on certain songs added a great amount of depth to their overall set as they played songs from their 2018 EP Everything and newest album released in June Radio Wave. They also played a few newer songs that will be released in 2019.
Overall, in/Planes style of vintage pop was certainly accurate. Romantic styles of lyricism from Buddy Holly and stunning guitar solos from Otis Redding could be heard throughout the night from Inaiah and Garcia. However, newer sounds and takes on the classic genres could be heard through unique structure and lyrical inflections. Whether a pop band or a folk band, in/Planes was one-of-a-kind.
Will Roper is an editorial intern and Brittany Ward is an editorial/multimedia intern with KZUM.
