It took a few days, but it now finally seems like the ‘08 live shows are starting to roll on in. Tonight is a mix of Portland’s best, the always excellent Boy Eats Drum Machine, and Seattle’s finest, Siberian.

Notice how I avoided saying “Seattle’s Best”?
That coffee is terrible.

Anyway, here’s our take on tonight’s show.

BOY EATS DRUM MACHINE, SIBERIAN, DAY OF LIONS (Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside) Boy Eats Drum Machine has become one of Portland’s favorite local acts, and for very good reason. Frontman Jon Ragel brings impressive turntable skills to a live band setting in a way that never sounds forced, gimmicky, or like those nü-metal DJs. His soulful, steady vocals weave in and out of the evolving, fluid arrangements, while the monolithic pounding of drummer Peter Swenson firmly nails every song to the ground. Their energetic live show guarantees that more than just the members of the band will be bathed in sweat by night’s end. Sharing the bill is Seattle’s Siberian, who play a frosty, guitar-driven style of rock that is both emotional and tuneful. They also have one of the best song titles of all time, “Belgian Beer and Catholic Girls,” which in five simple words sums up the entirety of my own personal understanding of the human experience. NED LANNAMANN

MP3:
Siberian - Belgian Beer and Catholic Girls

Siberian photo courtesy of Kyle Johnson.