Seattle’s Eric Claesson & The Scowlers

Finally, a break from monotony! Eric Claesson & The Scowlers played at the High Dive on October 27th and, like a glass of bourbon on the rocks, failed to disappoint. The openers, Ehren Ebbage and the newly relocated Cady Wire, both played pretty great sets, but when The Scowlers took the stage, the low rumble of bar chat subsided and people got out of their seats at full attention.

Eric and fellow band mate, Sven, were playing music together many years ago under the name “Scowlers”. Extenuating circumstances caused them to divorce, and Eric headed south to LA where he continued to build on the project they started. When he learned what was good for him and moved back to Seattle, he recruited some talent to further bring this vision to fruition. The band consists of: Eric Claesson (vocal/ guitar), Sven-Erik Neilson (keys/ trumpet/ accordion/ slide guitar),Ross Piper (bass) and last but not least, Susannah Wheeler (drums). Yes, it’s true, I did say accordion and they do have a chick drummer.

The music they create is dark, full and executed without error. Thank you Tom Waits, Bowie, Nick Cave, and Scandinavian vikings of the days of yore for lending influence to this group of musicians and the sounds they produce! From menacing ballads like ‘Crackling Chanteuse’ that sweetly describe killing an ex lover (right, like you haven’t thought about it before), to songs like ‘Little Museum’ that pay homage in a dark kind of way to doo-wop, this band promises to satiate your musical appetite. Come hungry.

You can find their EP at Sonic Boom, Easy Street, Everyday Music, Silver Platters, and iTunes. They’re also online at www.myspace.com/ericclaesson, and you can find videos of their shows at www.youtube.com Seeing them live is half the fun, however, so keep your eyes open for their next show.

Trust me when I tell you that you need to get to know this band. And if you opt not to follow my sage advice, I promise I won’t be angry… just disappointed. Remember, the only one you’ll be hurting is yourself.

Reviewed by Amber Sheen