PUFFERFISH
Jonah Baker is Seattle's fastest-rising musical-saw player. That alone should write
his meal ticket, but he doesn't stop there. Jonah is also one-third of Pufferfish,
who celebrate the release of their CD Hello Zero this evening. Yet another standout
in the clutch of inspired acts orbiting around Levi Fuller's Ball of Wax
Audio Quarterly comps (see also: Johanna Kunin, Conrad Ford), the
trio saunter along the divide between indie rock and old-time country;
think DIY as a way of life (i.e., porch-sittin' music) vs. a lifestyle.
"North" blends brushed snares, muted pump organ, and rustic vocal harmonies
to captivating effect, while the opener, "Last Country Song," dreams of a
world where the saddest "Dear John" ditty ever corners the hiphop charts and
redeems its wounded author. And, yes, there is saw.
KURT B. REIGHLEY
11/4/2006
The Stranger