What's the story these days, with all those bearded young men who suddenly (re)discover the splendour of vocal harmonies and the craftsmanship of songwriting? Following on from the likes of BON IVER and FLEET FOXES (on 20/11 in AB!), we now have Port O'Brien maintaining the tradition of the American folk-rock bands of the 70's and giving it their own, contemporary twist.

Port O'Brien (named after the Alaskan bay where guitarist/singer Van Pierszalowski goes every year for several months in order to work on his parent's salmon farm) have just released their first official album 'All We Could Do was Sing' (on City Slang / V2). This album is full of fine songs and beautiful harmonies, mostly played on acoustic instruments and with as main themes: the sea and a fisherman's existence.

But don't be mistaken, Port O'Brien don't play seafarer's songs. You can hear echoes of the likes of Neil Young, Arcade Fire and Modest Mouse in their work ... and they dare to be rather rugged on stage, the energy drips from it, resulting in performances that are already regularly labelled as unforgettable. You surely already know the single 'I Woke Up Today' from Radio 1, now let yourself be convinced of the power of their live performance. This will probably be one of your last chances to see this band in the intimate surroundings of the AB Club as these guys and girl from Port O'Brien will soon be big!

We'll be opening with The Rodeo, that's an American singer-songstress who resides in France and keeps her real name meticulously disguised (apparently something for the anagramaniacs amongst us). Musically she works from the strange but apparently interesting common ground between, say, Bob Dylan and Joanna Newsom. She's already shared a stage with musical kindred spirits like My Brightest Diamond and Nina Nastasia.

TIMING

7pm: doors

8pm: The Rodeo

9:15pm Port O'Brien

Port OBrien - I Woke Up Today

The Rodeo @ Le Blogotheque