Portland bro-down at Branx

This Friday at Branx is an affair showcasing a few of our very own talented Portland bands—The Thermals, White Fang, Guidance Counselor and Wampire.

The Thermals, who have stood out since they formed in 2002, remain part of a genre most commonly composed of twee/emo/instrumental-jazz. Since their inception, they have come to release six full studio albums along with multiple EPs and compilations spanning an array of labels, including Sub Pop. Consisting of Hutch Harris on vocals and guitar, Kathy Foster on bass and vocals and Westin Glass on drums, the Thermals have fluctuated between trio-hood and adding members since they formed. However, the group was first thrown together by remaining original members Hutch and Kathy. The two were first known for their original groups, Hutch & Kathy and Urban Legends, where they held their own in the folk scene.

After getting recognition with their first album “More Parts Per Million,” the Thermals’ next album, appropriately named “Fuckin’ A” got some help in the mixing department from Death Cab for Cutie member Chris Walla. This record’s sound is close enough to punk to be considered as such, containing their signature power chords wrapped in three-chord riffs with enough drum banging and vocal whining to go around. Nevertheless, the band holds its own groove well enough to be deemed worth listening to.

Another formidable band playing is Guidance Counselor, which is made up of Ian Anderson and Andy Parker. Representing Portland since they started up, they’ve been making lots of kids dance, separating them from other music ensembles. It has been commonly said that Guidance Counselor is comparable to Joy Division, Bauhaus and even the Faint. Their reputation is likely due to their unique sound—synth bass hidden beneath brash-yet-gleaming guitars and violent drums. However, Guidance Counselor’s production has a very raw feel—closer to the sound of The Rapture—though fuller and catchier. Rather than focusing too much on straight riffs, much of the instrumentation is geared toward atmosphere, so the arrangements clearly cut through. Part of the dance appeal is the choice to bury the vocals in effects. It’s as if the voice is used as a melodic instrumental hook. The conscious mind isn’t caught up in processing the words, further allowing the subconscious to succumb to the beat.

Contributing equally to Guidance Counselor’s danciness is its energy. The songs hit just as hard as they do on the first night of tour. However, none of the songs are what might be considered “singles,” despite sticking in your head for the rest of the day. These guys are sure to get you on your feet and dancing.

Without further introductions to these groups, you should head down to Branx on Friday at 8 p.m. for a real Portland band showcase. Hopefully, by the time you walk into the venue, the fact that you just paid close to $15 to see these bands perform (as opposed to seeing them at a house venue for, example) will quickly dwindle from your memory. ?