Sometimes in the music world a show comes along that’s not just an ordinary show, but more of a gathering. Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Shakedown, seems likely to be one of those occasions. The show features three bands with incredible levels of history and connection to the Bellingham music scene. Taken as a whole, it’s going to be something like a family reunion.
The headliners are Von Wildenhaus, a Seattle-based group led by guitarist and songwriter Ben Von Wildenhaus. Ben is best known for his work with Federation X, who put out five albums and toured the country repeatedly over a span of 15 years. I never managed to catch them live, but everyone I’ve talked to insists they were one of the best live acts ever to come out of Bellingham.
In recent years Ben’s focus has been on this new project, which started with him doing solo guitar improvisations way back in 2007 and eventually grew into a six piece performing what they call “easy listening for demons.”
As far as I can tell, that description means that they combine gentle melodies and elegant instrumentation with an undercurrent of dissonance and unease. Billie Bloom’s lead vocals convey deep layers of mystery and emotion, even when the lyrics are simple. (Some of the songs make me think that this is what Nico might have sounded like, if she could actually really sing.) Saxophonist John Sampson, who some of you might remember from his group Bar Tabac, adds an extra element of melody and texture. …