We love to attend and review live shows, but seldom get to see some of the great indie artists that have been nominated for awards. The winds have apparently changed, and we have quite a few coming to Montana and the surrounding area in the coming months, including several this month.
The first of those bands to visit were The American West, with Maita, who performed at the Blacksmith Brewing Company in Stevensville on July 19.
Based out of Portland, Orego, these two groups, which share the same players (Matthew Zeltzer and Maria Maita-Keppeler) bring some of the best Americana and indie folk music around. As The American West, Zeltzer plays acoustic guitar and provides lead vocals while Maita-Keppeler plays violin and provides backing vocals. Zeltzer plays electric guitar and provides backing vocals to Maita-Keppeler’s acoustic guitar and lead vocals when performing as Maita.
We previously reviewed The American West’s album, The Soot Will Bring us Back Again, but this was our first exposure to Maita. Both groups were worth it. The American West is up for two LA Music Critic Awards, Best CD (Group) and Best Americana Band.
Zeltzer has the perfect voice for Americana – soothing, but a little rough, which perfectly matches the mood set by the group’s music. Maita-Keppeler contributed haunting violin that amplified the Americana feel. They performed seven of the nine songs on the album, including three of our favorites – “Ghost Town,” “Voices,” and “Heart of Stone.” Their harmonies are sheer perfection, and they kept the packed house engaged and entertained.
After a short break, Maita began her set, with a haunting voice that perfectly met the tone of her indie folk music. Her songs were also haunting and memorable, while the guitar riffs supplied by Zeltzer added a bit of rock to the songs. After hearing her songs, we can’t wait to review her album, Waterbearer.
We wish them well on the final week of their tour, which will bring them through Colorado on their way back to Oregon.