Often labeled as both psychedelic rock and alt-country, neither category satisfactorily encompasses or fully elucidates their work. Sykes and fellow writer and guitarist Phil Wandscher (formerly of Whiskeytown) seem intent on fashioning ever-evolving musical landscapes while still calling upon ghosts of the past.
Their latest work, "Marble Son," is a foray into heavier thematic and sonic territory. For this Live at KDHX session, Sykes and her band perform songs from that album, notably "Come to Mary" and "Wooden Roses," both of which have that tender fragility inherent in certain types of '70s rock minus the over-eager naiveté which served to strip their musical precursors of emotional weight. Lush guitar work hovers on the edge of jam band territory, but a dark streak gives the music dimension beyond the breezy meandering of a typical jam session. Sykes' caressing vocals comfort and disturb in equal parts. Even so, the hereafter evoked on these songs is always sweet.
All photos by Kelsey McClure.
