Phosphene On The Move

PHOSPHENE

SOPHIA'S THAI KITCHEN

DAVIS, CA

28 APRIL 2018

Away from the bustle of the state capitol, Sacramento, the college town of Davis is nestled, abutting the UC Davis campus. Having been hipped awhile back by the good folks at The Owl Mag, the time was finally ripe to check out Sophia's Thai Kitchen. Spring is here, and proprietor Kevin Wan got the ball rolling on another season of live music on the patio of Sophia's, and we made the road trip up.

Phosphene came up from the Bay Area, making a rare appearance in a time of transition, pending a move to Portland, and before embarking to the studio to record a new LP. Performing as a duo live for the first time, (with bassist Kevin currently on a sojourn in Japan), Rachel and Matt worked through a intimate set, mixing old favorites like "Metric" and "Wire" plus new material, with "PDA" standing out strong. One usually gets lost in the totality of the band's sound, and this was a great opportunity to appreciate and marvel at the individual contributions of the players. Old friends, sublime music, and a full belly, one could not ask for a better Saturday night...

Chasms II: The Conjuring

CHASMS

CHILLANOVA HOUSE, DAVIS, CA

08 FEBRUARY, 2014 

What started as a road trip to see Wax Idols first gig of 2014 took a hit when guitarist Hether Fortune sliced her finger open prior to the show. San Francisco's own Chasms stepped up to the plate and saved the night with an unexpected headlining gig. Within the cozy confines of UC Davis sits the house known as Chillanova, our gracious hosts for the evening. That my attorney and I weren't booted out on sight speaks well of both their hospitality and their sense of humor.
Lost in the scuffle about gentrification in The City and its impact on the music scene is the fact that a ton of bands still remain, and that most cities would be jealous of what is there, in both depth and diversity.

Instead of an anonymous opening slot in front of cross-armed attendees at least a body bag's length away from the stage, Chasms played on the floor in full light, shorn of the mystery of shadows. It was more direct, seduction turned into assault as they reached their peak.While it was not as overwhelming as being pumped through a club sound system, the house setting provided a warmth to their set, and they seemed to dial into a higher wavelength as jams became invocation. With a pair of cassette EP's on Dream Recordings and a 12" single and a forthcoming project on Sleep Genius under their belt, we look forward to tracking the continued progress of Jess Labrador and Sky Madden. On a closing note, sincere thanks to Chillanova House for providing a memorable evening.

 

My attorney takes stock of the situation...