There was something instantly exciting about watching the eight-piece River City Extension play the tiny Blank Club this past Sunday, especially seeing them employed such atypical rock instruments as a banjo, violin and trumpet. They played passionate, heartfelt indie-folk that was sincerely fun to watch and different from any other bands currently wearing the indie-folk label.
With barely enough room to fit everyone on stage, River City Extension brought so much energy and talent they instantly took control of the crowd. I predict this relatively obscure New Jersey band will build a solid buzz in the indie rock world within the next couple of years.
With eight people, they were free to vary their instrumentation from song to song. They played keyboards, guitars, percussion, mandolins, you name it. All the different instruments and the fun that was driving their music, made the show feel like a jamboree, similar to the infectious live shows of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. But rather than Sharpe’s freaky, hippie vibe, River City Extension played folk music that was honest, working-class and pure New Jersey rock and roll.
At times, they drifted into the quiet intensity of Fleetwood Mac or the down-and-out guttural pain of Bruce Springsteen. Their songwriting was clearly influenced by Arcade Fire—though a much more complex version of the group. They utilize dynamics to its full extent. When they reached full volume with everyone singing in union, it was a downright hootenanny, without a shred of irony or pretense.
The end of the set brought smiles to everyone’s faces. The band jumped off the stage, carrying percussion, and singing a passionate acapella song. They danced around the audience taking all the pain imbedded in their music and turning it into joy.
Local Ben Henderson, is filling in on bass with the group on this tour, opened the show with a set of his solo material. His music was well-received, as usual. River City Extension’s violinist joined him for a few songs along with Good Hustle bandmate Dan McKee.
“It’s good to be home in San Jose,” Henderson told the crowd, “If only for a day.”
.Review: River City Extension at the Blank Club
