Local Music News

Band:  Quiet Hooves

Date: 9-18-10

Venue: 40 Watt

The first thing I noticed during Quiet Hooves’ set was the Steve Urkel figure dancing spasmodically in front of the stage.  My attention was soon completely captivated by the poppy, eclectic sounds of this band of locals. Quiet Hooves is a larger than average band, a large ensemble including some keyboard players, guitarists, a very animated percussionist, and even a small horn section that kicked much brass from the left side of the stage. The best term I could use to describe the band is “controlled chaos”- although their songs were a mad jumble of different elements and sounds, every song felt cohesive.  A common thread among the songs was their experimentation in vocals and instrumentals.  Some songs featured structured harmonization to supplement the lead singer, while others featured members randomly chiming in with yelps and exclamations. Most songs had the keyboardists playing a mélange of chimes and melodies, garnished by the wails of the horn players and the feverish patter of the percussionist. Quiet Hooves had enough stage presence and energy to rival the likes of Of Montreal, who just played in Athens two weeks ago, and bands like Gogol Bordello, who know how to deliver on stage but keep the tone light at the same time, never taking themselves too seriously.  The songs were varied enough to keep you interested and catchy enough to keep you dancing. By the end of the set, it required the best of my efforts to keep my feet on the ground and my limbs from raucously flailing to the beat, too.

- Lori Keong