By: David de Young
 The Bottlehouse in a photo from the band's website |
Members: Karl Obermeyer - acoustic guitar, vocals Official webpage: http://www.thebottlehouse.com |
The Bottlehouse caught me a bit by surprise Saturday night. I've been doing my best to see as many new bands as I can for the past year and a half now, but somewhere, under my radar, the Bottlehouse had been honing their skill in presenting an impressive sounding pop rock show, not to mention crafting a superb debut album.
The Bottlehouse caught my attention right away with their first song "Generation X" from their CD "Joy of Life" (Aquarium Records, 2003.) This is feel-good rock and roll with seasoned presentation. It was immediately apparent that band leader and vocalist/guitar player, the soulful Karl Obermeyer is a focused showman, so focused at times you can almost taste his hunger for success.
"Born to Burst," was the second song, sung by sultry-voiced keyboard player Emily Olson who switched from keyboards to guitar on this and several of the other songs. The vocalist swapping throughout the show (and the album) make for a good variety and keep things interesting. Song after song, both watching the show and spinning the CD a few days later, I continued to be impressed by what is unquestionably an inspired and professional act.
The band's third song "Something" was sung by Steve Dupuis who co-authored it along with Olson. Dupuis, you may note, is also the guitar player for the Rakes. He was backed up by Rakes bandmate Aaron Pruitt on bass. When these two guys sing together you definitely hear echoes of Rakes harmonies. Throughout the show, they provided the heart of the rock and roll sound, along with the solid, in the pocket drums of Kirk Hall.
Obermeyer switched to electric guitar for the next song that started out with a bouncy bassline, this song had a great "wall of guitar sound." "Spark," an 80's influenced new wave song with updated roots rock feel was laden with hooks. I just kept wishing was that Obermeyer would loosen up more. You couldn't necessarily hear it, but it was something noticeable when watching the band. He had his eye on this make believe spot somewhere on the ceiling of the bar. That posture works okay in music videos, but live I wanted to see more real interaction between him and the band, especially the consummately slouched Pruitt and Dupuis who were tearing it up stage right.
To be fair, Obermeyer did ultimately loosen up and started getting chatty about mid set, telling a few people who were heading out, "you all drive safe now, ya hear?" "I'll Never Know" had a Gear Daddies-like passion. From there on home it was just the same consistently good stuff that would fit well into any alt/rock radio station's playlist. Olson sang again on "Get Outta the Car" and Obermeyer played a decent harp solo. Then came a fun switch off for the final number, "I'm The One" (also the CD's closing song) as Emily Olson moved to bass and Pruitt switched to guitar. Obermeyer was definitely loose now singing lead and playing only tambourine.
I can see Bottlehouse playing bars all over the Midwest and effortlessly picking up fans along the way. Even the musicians at Lee's I talked to Saturday night remarked on how well put together they are, and Bottlehouse is a band you can enjoy at first hearing. They're also clearly ready for the next step, whatever that may be (major labels take note!)
In the interest of full-disclosure I should admit that they put on a good after show party as well. Now if they'd add a clarinet or flute to round out their sound! Kidding aside, you will probably enjoy these guys. Next show will be at Lee's June 12th.
Location Info:
Lee's Liquor Lounge
Artist Info: The Bottlehouse
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