B-sides Celebrate Quirks, New Release With Cradle Show

the b-sides
Cat's Cradle

The stage was set up like a living room, a sagging couch at the back of the stage lit by a Tiffany lamp. A poster of James Dean hung crookedly on the back wall. The b-sides definitely made themselves at home at the Cat's Cradle, and then they had a house party.

Numbers of people turned out for the show on what guitarist Ari Pastel called a "Crazy Tuesday." Word of mouth and an impressive opening set for Ben Folds last month have led to a higher profile in the area and significant local success with the b-sides' new album, Yes, Indeed, the b-sides, Quite!

The show served as both guitarist Noah Smith's birthday party and a CD release concert. To mark the occasion, the b-sides brought along three new songs and took aim at high-concept performance art -- complete with dialogue and guests like the still-unexplained "Milkman Jones."

Wearing causal clothes and genuine smiles, the b-sides took the stage like five friends about to begin a practice session in their parents' garage. But a garage band this is not.

Honest, fun, deviant -- the band's music is madness and melodic mirth in one delightful, sugary mixer. With creative musical ideas, a quirky sense of humor and unfailingly catchy tunes, the quintet delivers angst with a smile, pop that knows it's pop and still doesn't care.

They danced all over the stage, hardly able to contain the vast amount of energy in their music. It seemed as if the b-sides and their audience were locked in a competition as to who was having more fun.

The band comes with an impressive list of credentials. Classically trained keyboardist Travis Horton works miracles throughout the band's dangerously catchy songs.

Bassist Kenny Mosher, formerly of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, fits right in into the mix, as does new drummer Scott Carle. A mix of seasoned musicians and talented youngsters, the b-sides exhibit unlimited creative and musical potential.

When madness raged repeatedly throughout the show, the tight ensemble would pull the music back together with the most honest, catchy melody line you've ever heard.

The band members wrapped up their two-hour set with a very respectable cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody" and after the show, in celebration of feeling like a kid again, served birthday cake.

Yes, indeed, the b-sides can bake. Quite.

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.