Brightest Young Things

all photos: Lexie Moreland

Statesmen. Luminaries. Renaissance Men.

Call them what you will, the foursome of The Sea and Cake have consistently produced a healthy number of subtly elegant post-rock tinged indie-pop records over the last 14 years. They rolled into town on Saturday night with the look of journeymen, the sound of seasoned, absurdly talented and incredibly self-aware musical fiends, and an understated ability to seduce the crowd into a state of melodious catharsis.

A self-acknowledged "working band," The Sea and Cake approach their craft with a seriousness reserved for the consummate musician. Each member is a veteran of Chicago's immense and varied music scene and hold at least one other creative project to their name: Sam Prekop (Shrimp Boat, solo colaborations with members of Chicago Underground Duo); Archer Prewitt (illustrator, the Coctails, solo works); Eric Claridge (Shrimp Boat, fine artist). Most notable, however, is probably drummer John McEntire's vast resume of both producing and playing for a wide array of bands including Tortoise, Gastr Del Sol, Trans Am, Red Krayola, Stereolab, and the legendary Brasilian, Tom Ze.

With that wealth of experience comes a seasoning and cool confidence rarely found in performances at smaller rock venues. Saturday's show at the Black Cat was surely one that can accurately be described as smooth, comfortable/comforting, and even, dare I say, professional. Which is not surprising for the seasoned Cake fan. One knows what to expect from this band after 8 albums of dreamy, drive-your-cruiser-to-the-beach, pop-the-top-off-your-beverage, inibriate-yourself-in-waves-of-guitar-and-creamy-propelling-rhythms pop.
They're good at what they do and they know it.

Starting off on the rockier side of new album Car Alarm, the driving "Aerial" revealed the band's foundational formula. Innately indebted to McEntire's percussive prowess, the band's songs find their shape and direction in the subtletly of his truly exceptional and propulsive drumming. Intertwoven with the bouncy, melodic and chugging basslines of the robust Claridge, one forgets that this band can make you move. Add a slightly distorted jazzy telecaster and a breezy abstract wordplay from Prekop's soprano and you've built your first Sea and Cake tune. Formulaic, sure. But as with all things sophisticatedly alchemic, the unique interaction of their singular forms creates a concoction teeming with energy and worth exploring.

Song highlights like "Weekend" validate their tried and true approach. Shimmering, scattered electronics wash over a choppy but seemingly nostalgic bass and drum seascape, setting your feet in motion. Prekop's layered vocals set your mind adrift and at once you're floating back to your childhood's neighborhood pool and doing backflips off the diving board. Then you look around and your bobbing to-and-fro with like-minded groovers at your local dive. Familiar, bracing, intuitive. The seamen can have their cake and eat it too.

Previously in Live DC:

• 2/9: LiveDC: Theophilus London @ 930 Club
• 2/9: Best Weekend Bets
• 2/8: LiveDC: Kathleen Edwards @ 930 Club
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/7: LiveDC: Demetri Martin @ Warner Theatre
• 2/7: LiveDC: Augustana/ Graffiti6 @ 930 Club
• 2/6: LiveDC: All Things Go Presents: Reptar/ Casual Curious/ Fort Lean @ Gibson Guitar Showroom
• 2/6: LiveDC: TYCHO/ Beacon @ RNR Hotel
• 2/6: LiveDC: The Kills / Jeff The Brotherhood @ 9:30 Club