The claim that Peoria can actually host exciting touring artists received a nod of credibility this week with the performances of Ohtis, an alt-country duo of central Illinois natives on the road after a six year hiatus, and Strawberry Runners, a jangly indie-pop act hailing from Denver, Colorado.
Ohtis played Friday night at 2020 House, a popular location for house shows in west Peoria. They appeared before a packed room of old fans and curious newcomers sitting quietly in the rows made from a hodge-podge of folding chairs, couches and ottomans.
Although a packed house at 2020 requires only 30 people, the close quarters and intimate atmosphere evoked the sentiment of a large and sophisticated theater show.
Ohtis delivered a short catalog of new songs that mapped singer-songwriter Sam Swinson’s path to sobriety and existential inquiry during the past decade. Swinson captivated the audience with his deep and measured voice – a voice any aspiring country star would sell his soul to embody, if only for one hit single.
Whatever confidence Swinson may lack in himself, as expressed in his music, he makes up for in his delivery and presence as a performer.
Despite Swinson as frontman, Ohtis would not exist without Adam Pressley, the master arranger and multi-instrumentalist. Friday’s performance reaffirmed Pressley’s astute ability to carry Swinson’s songs far beyond their acoustic origins and create the arrangements necessary to fully illustrate Swinson’s heavy lyrical themes. A third player joined them to round out these newly crafted arrangements with auxiliary percussion and subtle synths.
Strawberry Runners played Tuesday night at The Rail II on Farmington Rd. Although the group calls Denver home, one member, Davy Timm, grew up in east Peoria. It seemed the loyal friends of Timm accounted for much of the small draw this band mustered. Regardless of the low turnout, the four-piece performed without hesitation.
Emi Night fronts Strawberry Runners and carried the band with her sweet vocal style that ranged appropriately from meek to mighty, aiding in the calculated use of dynamics in their songs. At times her voice resembled a yodel with subtle shifts between chest and falsetto. Influences such as The Pixies and Jessica Lea Mayfield surfaced just enough to suck me in without feeling like a desperate grab at precedent. Her vocal choices and creatively crafted lyrics made for a style she can truly call her own.
Knight’s vocals and bashful guitar were accompanied by bass, drums and Timm on cornet, synths and harmonies. The cornet was unobtrusive and employed only out of necessity. Strawberry Runners demonstrated that brass may have a place in indie-pop if used correctly.
Following the indie protocol, Strawberry Runners offered their latest hits on cassette tape. If I ever manage to dig up my Walkman, their tape will undoubtedly wind through its dusty heads so that I may relive a few moments of their enchanting performance.
For those of you stranded here during winter break, pay attention in the coming weeks; rumor has it Ohtis plans a return to Peoria in late December.
