Neon Reverb: Preach it, brother Daniel

By Allison Duck (contact)

Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009 | 7:47 a.m.

Allison Duck

Singer and guitarist Daniel James, of Leopold and His Fiction, sporting a Native American headdress, bested himself by topping his own pheasant feather hat at the last installment of Neon Reverb.

As the minute hand joined the hour hand signaling it was officially Sunday, the crowd at The Bunkhouse got a dose of the gospel -- the gospel according to Leopold & His Fiction, that is.

The San Francisco trio that made a big splash at last spring’s Neon Reverb Festival was back with a fresh new set list reminiscent of a bluesy church revival. Adding to the Sunday school vibe was one front row fan clad in white blousy garments akin to a priest’s cassock.

The bevy of fans who likely attended some of the band’s Aruba, Bunkhouse or Beauty Bar shows over the summer might have expected old favorites from the group’s first few albums, but were in for a surprise. Ironically, one of the few familiar tunes was “Ain’t No Surprise,” nestled inside a set list of mostly new music.

Some people are afraid of the unfamiliar, myself included, especially when it comes to my favorite bands putting out new music. Of course you want to hear more new and creative sounds from a band but the songs you heard when you first fell in love with a group are comfortable like a worn-in pair of jeans. Sometimes it’s difficult to transition into a stiff new pair.

Luckily for Leopold and His Fiction fans, the group’s new music was solid and refreshing. A classic dark washed bootcut, if you will. Not like the jewel-encrusted super flared styles denim was never intended for. Many of the tracks debuted last night will be on the band’s forthcoming album, slated for a January 2010 release. In a slight departure from their bluesy garage rock sound, many of the songs the Bunkhouse crowd heard had Gospel overtones such as the closing songs of the set, “Virginia” and “Lion’s Share.”

Lead singer Daniel James preached the new lyrics self-assuredly. Bassist Micayla Grace said, “Most of the songs tonight have only been played live two or three times.” Much like a good preacher, James and the band convinced the congregation to embrace the new sounds with open arms through their steadfast and confident delivery.

Grace went on to add, “A month-long tour is just what we need. We’re trying to integrate our new songs in with our old ones.”

Leopold and His Fiction will be setting off on this tour in December, stopping off at 30 venues in 30 days on their way to and from Nashville where this new revival-style sound should fit right in.