Rauelsson/Shoeshine Blue Capture Intimate Crowd at Ella St. Social Club

contributor: Brian Rozendal, January 24th, 2009

Rauelsson

Earlier this month, Rauelsson released a five-song EP on Hush Records as a teaser to their full album coming out next month. This past Wednesday they played at the Ella Street Social Club, opening for local folky favorites Shoeshine Blue. Despite the rather sparse attendance and intermittent sound system issues, Rauelsson played their hearts out. Relaxed and confident, they played with conviction. This was even despite the distraction of one rather loud patron who was apparently on a first date. He was the exception rather than the rule, thankfully. Despite singing entirely in Spanish, Rauelsson seemed to win over everyone else in the crowd immediately, and managed to hold their complete attention for the remainder of the set.

Rauelsson is a fairly large group, and consists of mostly acoustic instruments: two guitars, violin, double bass, electric piano, and drums. Although they all barely fit on the Ella Street’s small stage, they never crowded each other musically. Rather, they managed a beautiful cohesion, allowing appropriate space for each instrument. It’s always a pleasure to watch musicians who know exactly when, as well as when not to play. Opening with “Debutantes,” the first and title track from their new EP, Rauelsson gently rolled out a quiet yet mesmerizing tune that slowly builds and unfurls, melodically and instrumentally. In many ways, the band’s set was a study of restraint and understatement, allowing subtle dynamic changes the room they need to have a real impact on the listener. Singer/songwriter Raul Pastor Medal’s voice is well suited to such songs. It may not be the strongest, most self-assured voice, but the fine-tuned, carefully wrought compositions and tight harmonies of the group bring all the right pieces into focus. Rauelsson is not out to blow you away with vocal acrobatics or shredding guitar solos. No, Rauelsson’s songs will gently resonate in your ears, and without realizing it, you will probably catch yourself singing them absent-mindedly for days.