By Sea Wolf howled into Los Angeles last week for a pair of back-to-back shows with Nada Surf. As usual, Sea Wolf delivered a great show at the Henry Fonda Theatre on March 19.
Sea Wolf has always been special to Los Angeles. The band nailed a flawless show this time around, which could only make any fan of the mellow band throb with more enthusiasm for future shows in its L.A. homeland.
As always, the band kept a cool set by not working too hard at being indie music’s folk-tinged band which smoothly and eccentrically incorporates even a cellist to make its gentle sound. This is something rare, especially with its L.A. roots.
Instead of a look-at-me approach to performing, Sea Wolf brought in a very collected demeanor and produced sounds filled with an impeccable quietude. Its cellist and other instrumentalists (like two more guitarists and a keyboardist) filled the stage for their epic, ballad-like orchestration of new tunes off its latest record, “Leaves in the River.” However, the mostly acoustic-based ditties were held in place by the band’s front man and mastermind, Alex Brown Church.
In his signature plaid, collared shirt (and sporting a thick, husky beard), Church stood center stage. Without too much movement throughout the entirety of his set, it was if he was deliciously bathing in the band’s smooth, calming sounds.
Most of Sea Wolf’s following became aware of the band with its radio hit “You’re A Wolf,” one of the smoothest songs to air on radio, probably ever. This crowd-favorite song was played towards the close of the band’s 45 minute set.
Sea Wolf closed out with another delicate tune before the drummer snapped a candid photo of the crowd for the band’s personal photo album. (It’s routine.)
