Upstream Music Fest + Summit 2017, Day 1: The Maldives

Upstream Music Fest + Summit, Local Music
05/11/2017
Matthew Howland
all photos by Morgan Schuler (view set)

During hour six of KEXP's live broadcast from Upstream Fest + Summit, The Maldives brought their harmonic alt-country to our performance space at Little London Plane in Pioneer Square. The Maldives played five tracks from their latest record, Mad Lives, a concept album about a man's life and death experience with the elements. The band's storytelling chops and tri-part harmonies rang especially strong during today's set.

Since 2005, The Maldives have carved out a singular place in the local music scene with consistent songwriting craft and a knack for lilting melodies. This Maldives session finds the band reduced to the core lineup of Jason Dodson, Faustine Hudson, and Tim Gadbois (they often expand to a nine-piece for their live show). Though it was the band at their sparest, they sounded as tight as ever, the precise intertwining of Dodson and Gadbois's guitar parts playing strong against the steady beats provided by Hudson (who has long been one of the best drummers in Seattle).

Catch The Maldives later tonight at J&M Cafe at 9:30 PM as part of a Tractor Tavern-curated showcase, along with MASZER (who played earlier today.) Also, The Maldives will be also playing at Bumbershoot this Labor Day weekend.

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