Sleepy scene

By Spencer Patterson

Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 | 4:19 p.m.

Bay Area buzz band Sleepy Sun played the Bunkhouse Friday night, and shockingly few people—like, three dozen, tops—paid their way into the Downtown venue to witness it (that despite promoter James Woodbridge’s usual tireless promotional efforts, and preview articles in both alt-weeklies). Shame, since the tightly packed six- and sometime seven-piece outfit thundered thick slabs of heavy-psych goodness—topped by the sublimely intertwined voices of Bret Constantino and Rachel Williams—down upon the few dazzled supporters who encircled the stage past 2 a.m. Seriously, Sleepy Sun sounded so righteous, it could have eaten Wolfmother for breakfast and left room for a few more Blue Cheer riffs at lunchtime.

Making the somewhat surreal night even more memorable: a blissful opening set by LA’s The Delta Mirror, a trio specializing in epic, drummer-less panoramas perfect for late nights and introspective moments (a cover of TV on the Radio’s “Blind” was particularly mesmerizing). Here’s hoping both visiting acts can overlook Vegas’ sad showing when mapping out future tour routes.