Ansonia paints a late-summer watercolor, reflecting, contemplating, saying its goodbyes with that sweet hint of possibility and a promise to come back again next year. It’s all you could possibly want from a band featuring former members/collaborators of prominent atmospheric-jazzy-space rock outfits spyradio and Perplexa. The music — a quietly upbeat tempo, intricate and deep rhythm, understated and pretty melody, hushed and husky bedroom whisper between soft gasps — exemplifies Detroit. It sighs an exhausted acceptance, but offers no signs of giving up. It’s a hopeful layer under the thick honesty of melancholy. With everyone sharing subdued vocal duties and the antsy, beautiful bass lines, there’s references to melodic indie-pop bands such as Versus or Seely. And every once in a while, you’ll hear slight allusion to the dreamiest parts of Beautiful South.
It’s no wonder the band solidified in August of last year — it sound-checks the wind picking up and the leaves crumbling beneath your feet. Made up of Amir Huzak (vocals, guitar, keys), Jenny Schmid (vocals, bass, keys), Dave Schroeder (vocals, guitar, keys) and Tim Suliman (drums, electro sounds), the band can count their gigs on one hand. But by the positive feedback they’ve received so far, from playing live or from those who have heard their enchanting three-song demo, you’ll definitely want to keep your ears peeled for Ansonia shows to come.
Ansonia performs Saturday at New Dodge, 9122 Jos Campau (313-874-5963).
Check out the other artists that made MT's 10 more to watch list.
Stroker Ace
DangerVille
Buzzards
They Come In Threes
S.U.N.
Blush
Saturday Looks Good To Me
Mike Huckaby
Willies
