Image by Camille Ikalina-Robles
School of Language drops some education on San Francisco
March 21, 2008, at Hemlock Tavern
By Camille Ikalina-Robles
Published: March 24th, 2008 | 8:10am
When you first walk into the Hemlock Tavern, it’s hard to imagine that any band would be playing a sold-out show there. Littered with bar stools and its very own smoking room, it’s not that different from any other venue in San Francisco — until you realize that there’s no stage. And, well, no band.
But in the end, looks can be deceiving. When I made my way to the back, past the 360 degree walk-around bar, the jukebox, and the pool table, I found a big red arrow pointing to a door. And behind that door? Music.
As people were being sent away after discovering that the venue was at capacity, I made my way up a small flight of stairs to a very small, dark room. Evangelicals were finishing up their set, blaring loud, ear-bleeding music at such high decibels that I’m sure many left with their ears ringing for the rest of the night. When School of Language took the stage, the crowd wasn’t nearly as large, nor as excited. Most of the San Francisco crowd stood in the common “impress me” stance, and bobbed their heads indifferently. The more enthusiastic individuals and those most familiar with singer-guitarist David Brewis’ work with UK band Field Music hooted and hollered when the artist and his backup band began the set.
They started off with some minor technical issues, however, and it was obvious that Brewis was in a bit of pain whenever he grasped his microphone. “Do you have any 57s?” he asked the sound engineers after the song. “In my experience, I get shocked by those less.” His sense of humor broke the ice, and the crowd began to warm up to the British band. After the microphone was replaced and no longer shocking the singer, Brewis smiled and expressed his happiness at not having to perform in pain. “That’s so liberating, yes?”
The three-piece band then delved into “Disappointment '99” and “Poor Boy,” meandering through its collection of digital samples and experimental pop songs. Two Chicago musicians — bassist Doug McCombs (Tortoise, Eleventh Dream Day and Brokeback) and drummer Ryan Rapsys (Euphone, Ambulette) — provided the rhythm section support to Brewis’ guitar and vocals. Due to opening-act honors, School of Language played for only a little while, finishing up with a cover by Roxy Music and the song “Extended Holiday” to round up its seven-song set.
By the end, the crowd seemed please with the performance, as many people approached Brewis after the show as he packed up his equipment and later sold CDs at the merch table while chatting with fans. School of Language springs from Field Music’s announcement of its hiatus last year so members could pursue solo projects. Brewis is School of Language’s sole member, and this tour is in support of his February 5 debut release, Sea From Shore (Thrill Jockey). In the end, School of Language held its own despite a tough San Francisco crowd, and I am eager to see what the future hold for this promising new band.
Issue #35
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