Back on February 1, we told you about an amazing alt-pop band out of Portland, Oregon named My Brothers and I who were heading out for their first headlining tour. This past Saturday, March 26, that tour concluded with a show at The Big Dipper in Spokane, Washington.
The venue was amazing. Long a Spokane icon, the Big Dipper has been renovated and turned into a state of the art music venue with incredible sound and an even more incredible sound man named Jeff. He made the night that much more memorable with his mastery of the board.
Thanks to the band’s publicist, Alex Steininger of In Music we Trust PR, an interview with the band was set up before the show. I arrived at the venue early and helped the band load in and get set up for sound check. The interview was conducted throughout that process, and will be published at a later date.
While all that was going on, the opening band, The BGP, arrived for their sound check. Imagine my surprise to learn that the band’s founder and lead singer, Brandon Ghorley, was friends with, and had performed with, several of my LA musical peeps, including Keaton Simons, Tony Lucca, Aijia and Andy Grammer, and Clara C.
By the time the doors opened, there was a line around the building of fans anxious for the show. Both bands took the time to talk to the fans and welcome them to the show.
The BGP took the stage first. Upon encouragement from Ghorley, everyone left their comfortable seats and made their way to the floor in front of the stage, where they stood mesmerized during the entire performance.
Featuring music from their latest EP, Fort Knox, as well as covers of “Bennie and the Jets” and “What a Fool Believes,” the BGP rocked the joint like a lesser-known version of Maroon 5. Ghorley’s stage presence was breathtaking to behold, as he seamlessly interacted with the audience while also entertaining them with his keyboard and vocal abilities. His bandmates, Phil Hopper on guitar and keys and Josh Demorow on drums truly complemented his sound while making memorable moments of their own.
These guys are the real deal. If you have a chance to catch their live show, don’t miss it. Check out their website, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
After a short break, My Brothers and I took the stage, while the audience joined them in front of the stage. David, the youngest of the three Wurgler boys that make up 60% of the band, is the lead singer, while his older siblings Erik is on bass and Scott is on drums. Childhood friends Jordan Roach on guitar and Johnny Iliyn on keys make up the rest of the band.
The band has begun to receive attention from their recently released CD Don’t Dream Alone, including a placement in last week’s Pretty Little Liars episode. Over the course of an hour, the band brought to life every cut from that CD, as well as tease us with an upcoming song, “Tell Me,” which has its own interesting tale to tell.
David’s sultry vocals, coupled with the driving bass of Erik and the perfect beat of Scott made each song come alive. Jordan’s guitar and John’s keys filled in the melody, creating the perfect blend of musical genius culminating in songs that had meaningful lyrics and a beat that made you want to stand up and dance. Hearing the audience sing along was the icing on the cake of one of the best live performances I have ever experienced.
My Brothers and I are definitely for real. I strongly recommend them, as well as the BGP, as bands to take notice of now before they skyrocket to the top of the charts.