KURT VILE

The talented multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Kurt Vile returns to Miami for his first-ever show at the North Beach Bandshell on February 2. He’s still on the road “pretty pimpin’” his 2015 album b’lieve i’m goin down… But, as usual, it takes a while to make it down to South Florida. Good thing this album, like much of Vile’s catalog, has staying power. By the time Vile takes the stage, fans will surely be more than revved up to hear Vile and his backing band, The Violators, amble through their breezy, rockin’ catalog.

Over the course of six albums, Vile has evolved his low-fi home recordings into sprawling nuanced gems of purist rock ‘n’ roll. Neil Young will always remain a clear influence in the drawl of his voice. But he also knows how to absorb New Wave songs like that of Gary Numan’s “Are Friends Electric.“ Think of that rhythm of electronics in that song while listening to similar effects in “Air Bud” from Vile’s 2013 album Wakin’ on a Pretty Daze. When I spoke to the Philadelphia musician and noted the similarity he declared, “Aw, sick!” as if it was some little secret. After talking about how he pulled it off technically, he spoke about the power of osmosis of his affection for a variety of musicians and his own songwriting.

Vile’s varied influences give him a progressive, countrified (he learned guitar on a banjo when we was 14 and apparently Keith Urban’s a fan) sound. Last time he was in the area, he gave the crowd a loud, bombastic show at the now defunct Grand Central, in Miami. He kicked it off with an oldie but goodie, the driving, dreamy “Freeway.” According to recent setlists, he now starts with the mellow yet still upbeat track “Dust Bunnies,” off his latest album. It’s up tempo enough to wake the audience up for what is anticipated to be a dreamy show. Outdoors, near the breeze of the ocean, the atmosphere should fit Vile’s music well.

Kurt Vile & The Violators at The North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Thursday, Feb. 2, at 7pm. Tickets are general admission and are $25-30. All Ages. Purchase from Ticket Fly.

~ Hans Morgenstern | The Independent Ethos (indieethos.com)

Kurt Vile by Marina Chavez