KINK Community Review "Augustana"

January 24, 2012, 8:41 am

Thanks to Cynthia Orlando


Graffiti 6 and Augustana/ Doug Fir Lounge



Augustana shows their staying power at Sunday night show

When Augustana’s lead singer Dan Layus belted out the lyrics to “Shot in the Dark” Sunday night, one wondered if he might be referring more to the band’s ups and downs - they’ve been through their share of band member changes in their 10-year career - than to a personal affair.

Nonetheless, the California-based band delivered a solid performance before a packed house at Portland’s Doug fir Lounge Sunday night, performing songs from all four of their CD’s and eliciting audience excitement and adoration - particularly for hit singles “Stars and Boulevards,” “Sweet and Low,” and especially, “Boston.”

Unfortunately, sound quality in the Lounge suffered a bit during the first twenty minutes or so of the show. By midway through, problems seemed to have been repaired, and the band was in their prime during a particularly sweet medley of songs that brought Layus to the keyboards: “Counting the Stars,” “Fire,” “Boston” from their first CD, and “On the Other Side” from “Augustana,” their last release, were in this mix.  Layus’ keyboards, a gentle touch of guitar and a smidge of drums during “On the Other Side” were particularly effective and moving during this portion – and, sound quality much-improved.

The band introduced some new material as well, and based on what they shared their next CD is sure to be something to look forward to. Among the new songs : “Easy Lessons are the Hardest to Learn,” which received a deservedly warm reception from the crowd.

A smashing performance of “Wrong Side of Love” capped off the two- hour Augustana portion of the concert; while fans cheered, hooted and hollered long past the time the canned music came up, the band was done for the evening.

Graffiti 6 opened for Augustana. From London, their sound might be described as a mix of The BoDeans and early Fleetwood Mac. They have a unique sound all their own, though, and had a large and enthusiastic following at the show as well. If you’re a KINK listener, you’ll be familiar with “Free,” which they performed last at Sunday night’s show. Their new CD, “Colours,” releases this week.

Support fine music

Finally, a word in support of talented musicians like Augustana and Graffiti 6. Show these bands some appreciation by buying their music. And, seek them out when they tour.

Make no mistake, artists like these deserve to be heard in bigger and better venues

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