The Musée Mécanique out of Portland, Oregon were a very pleasant discovery for me. The folk quintet, helmed by songwriters Micah Rabwin and Sean Ogilvie, were a trio live, all with a bent on multi-instrumentation. We saw banjos, xylophones, and accordion utilized, but perhaps most fascinating to watch in the red-saturated basement of Cake Shop was how each member divided elements of percussion between them via pedals. Other indie bands not hauling a full kit around should pay attention, the bar has been raised.

The trio are supporting their recent album, From Shores of Sleep, their first output in four years. As a concept record, it deals with the fantastical elements of the sea, and paints a wonderful picture of its highs and lows. Electronics are always humming in the background and the album transitions smoothly from track to track making for a great listen at length. Glance below to see if you can catch them on their remaining tour dates out west and a gallery of the band in action.

Remaining Musée Mécanique US Tour Dates

11/13 Fort Worth, TX @ Live Oak
11/15 Marfa, TX @ El Cosmico
11/16 Silver City, NM @ house show
11/17 Phoenix, AZ @ Trunk Space
11/18 San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
11/19 Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg
11/20 Carmel, CA @ Barmel
11/22 San Francisco, CA @ Hotel Utah

Volga Volga, a mellowed violin / guitar duo, were up early at Cake Shop. I immediately pinned them in the shadow of Michigan’s Breathe Owl Breathe. They’ll need work to move beyond it.

Musée Mécanique

Volga Volga