Brazilian-American duo the Complicated Animals is touching down at Presqu'ile Winery for the first 3rd Fridays Live performance of the year on Friday, Jan. 18, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
The Los Angeles based sound of Monica da Silva and Chad Alger fuses indie pop, Brazilian bossa nova, and a little bit of 1980s synthesizer into what the two have termed "indie nova." Complicated Animals released its first album, In This Game, in 2015. Featuring da Silva's sultry voice singing in both Portuguese and English, the EP mixes the strum of vintage bossa nova with a dreamy indie beat. Complicated Animals' first album was featured on both Pop Matters and NPR, and the single "Phoenix" was handpicked to appear on MTV Brasil.
The duo's recently released single "Show Me" takes a step in a different direction, with a lush '80s pop sound layered between electronic synthesized beats. It's kind of like Florence and the Machine ran into Depeche Mode. An emotive pairing of vocals and sounds was inspired by the Complicated Animals' recent move to Los Angeles, a love for '80s music, and human emotion.
"It's scary how detached we humans have become. Technology is great, but we've got to remember how important human interaction is, and not just go through the motions like zombies," da Silva said in press materials.
The featured pairing for Presqu'ile's 3rd Friday will be feijoada, a delicious Brazilian stew of black beans, pork, and beef that might just be the perfect way to end a rainy week–a cozy Friday spent warming up the soul while taking in bossa-nova-inspired grooves and sipping a little bit of Santa Maria's finest.
You can also catch Complicated Animals on Saturday, Jan. 19, at Santa Ynez's Rideau Vineyards starting at 1 p.m.
Other music
Orange County punk rockers The Last Gang stops in Santa Maria on their way to play a benefit in San Francisco for the victims of the Camp Fire in Northern California. The Last Gang joined Fat Wreck Chords in December 2017, releasing Keep Them Counting in 2018. Vocalist-guitarist Brenna Reed, bassist Sean Viele, and drummer Robby Wantland pound out ramped-up Rancid-inspired punk with energetic rhythms that make you want to bounce.
The Last Gang plays O'Sullivan's Pub on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 8 p.m. with local post-hardcore punkers Crucial Measures and Unbinding.
On Friday, Jan. 18, food, brew, and '90s tunes could make you happy if you head to Naughty Oak Brewing Company in Orcutt. Joe Daddy & The Sumthins joins BBQ in the Stix to start your night off right from 6 to 10 p.m.
Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies could give your mid-weekend slump a boost if you head to The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez. Be prepared for some classic country favorites, current country faves, and Southern rock and blues. The SoCal Outlaw Country band entertains starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18. (I'll tell you a secret: The show is free if you get there before 8 p.m.)
Cold Spring Tavern
Catch five shows on this Jan. 18 through 20 weekend at the Cold Spring Tavern off Highway 154. Dennis Russell plays things with strings from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18. He writes and sings songs about water, deserts, reptiles, skies, railroad tracks, dreams, and whatever else you can think of.
Green Flag Summer kicks Saturday, Jan. 19, off from 1 to 4 p.m. Matt Kustura and Andrew Fedders play original rock and reggae and choice covers. Green Flag's songs range from a rustic, sweet bluesy tune such as "Oil and Black" to the ska and reggae-inspired "Illusion." The Tailgaters bring on the classic country with a splash of surf rock starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19.
Sunday Funday, Jan. 20, can get started around 1:15 p.m. when Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan bring their blend of guitar and harmonica blues to Cold Spring. Be ready for rags and good time music from experienced musicians. The Paradise Kings take the stage from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., continuing your Sunday party into the sunset with rock, blues, and a little bit of swing.
Editor Camillia Lanham wrote this week's Local Notes. Send your music news, show schedule, and comments to [email protected].
