Tiny Mtns, Mr. Sister and The Points North 7/30 @ Club Passim Cambridge

Usually when I go to a show the purpose is to see a specific band. There are goals for the show, such as to hear a specific song, or finally see so and so band live. Last week though, Chris and I went to a show just out of curiosity about the bands and the venue itself. The show, at the very alternative and fun Club Passim in Harvard Square, was an EP release party for the newly christened Tiny Mtns, formerly known as Elijah Wyman, along with local folk acts Mr. Sister and The Points North courtesy of local folk label Grinding Tapes (check them out!). Knowing nothing about the bands, other than their folkitude (if you will) we had no expectations other than to hang out and see something new.

This view was quite liberating and we had an awesome time. Not only was Club Passim cool, but the bands really put on a show. Beginning with The Points North, all the bands displayed a high level of musicianship along with the obligatory refe

rences to nature and trees etc (just kidding I love all of you). Second up, Mr. Sister was a revelation. With a potent, yet wavering voice, reminiscent of TSRE favorite Alela Diane, Mr. Sister with her banjo and crazy pipes was heart felt folk at its finest. Her singing conjured images in my mind as she sang about life. I wish I had more music by her.

Last up was Tiny Mtns who told us that he was abandoning his name Elijah Wyman, since he never goes to see acts that use their real names. Almost a combination musician and standup comedian, Tiny Mtns with his hilarious interjections and anecdotes really interacted with the crowd and kept it involved. In addition to some frenetic guitar and auto harp energy, the sing a long to Thicket Holds a Ram, created an atmosphere that I really felt a part of. With such great music and a refreshing community atmosphere, Club Passim and the folk artists in general were a much needed break from the musical norm for Chris and me. I now pledge to be more adventurous with live music and more actively embrace my burgeoning love of rugged folk music.

Mr. Sister - Wisconsin is Colder than Russia (YSI) (filesavr)

Tiny Mtns. - Thicket Holds a Ram (YSI) (filesavr)