Rock ‘n’ roll music is a widespread genre without a true definition. But Portland’s Go Fever is making their case with a psychedelic, alternative version of rock ‘n’ roll exemplified through their many live performances in the Portland area. Go Fever, who started in 2005, includes members Tony Hilsmeier on guitar and vocals, Ian Bixby on drums and Lance Dinauer on bass and vocals.
The trio has been influenced from past and present artists and it is obvious by their music, which includes a mix of original sounds.
Vocally, Go Fever is comparable to the Portland-based Dandy Warhols, who have gone on to gain national attention. Led by Hilsmeier, the band’s low, raspy vocals bring a more definite rock sound to a group that uses much instrumental variety.
Their sound has been called a sonic cathedral propped up by welcome walls of sound and though that description may take some deciphering, songs like “What?” and “Bad Penny” make it easy to understand the band’s comfortable style.
Go Fever is playing at Berbati’s Pan tomorrow with Starry Saints, Holy Children and Mark Twain Indians.
The Starry Saints were an up-and-coming band in 2009. Started by Allen Davis and Clint Sargent, Starry Saints encompasses many genres of the indie scene. Davis and Sargent started the band after producing albums with the band High Violets.
Also playing with Go Fever are Holy Children and Mark Twain Indians. Like Go Fever, Holy Children shares rough vocals and heavy guitars in songs such as “Bad Man Blues.” On the other hand, the three-year-old band Mark Twain Indians has brought itself into an alternative style that emphasizes their instrumental prowess.
These four bands will bring out the best of Berbati’s Pan tomorrow night as they help evolve your definition of rock ‘n’ roll within the Portland music scene.
Go Fever plays four of their next five shows in Portland at venues including East End, Dante’s and Holocene. Go Fever will also play with bands 1776 and Federale in their upcoming concerts.