Not Too Much, Not Too Little… Just Right

If you are a proponent of local DC music, chances are you’ve heard of Kodiak. These guys have been around the block and back again when it comes to playing the DC music circuit. Their non-traditional, blues-infused, rock music—combined with strong and sometimes over-the-top performance styles—has helped to distinguish them as a band with solid potential. Kodiak put on a crowd pleasing show at The Red and The Black on February 7, where it was clear by the audience reactions that if you didn’t come in to the club as a fan, you were one by the end of the set.

They opened up with the song Third Attempt and within a few measures it was evident that their strength lies in their musicianship. The song’s melody was punctuated by strong percussion work and almost emphatic sounding rhythms. Other songs included Just a Lil’ Bit and Factory Girl.

In the middle of the set the band pulled out an unexpected tune given their rock foundation and bluesy tendencies. I didn’t expect to hear a song with Latin origins in its opening chords, but it worked. The song started out humbly enough with a familiar set of chords that layered upon each pervious reprise.The result was a blend of low key sounds, underneath which you just knew the band was waiting to unleash something raw, something good, something Kodiak.

Toward the end of the set they played Snake Venom Whiskey, which was definitely worth the wait. True to form, they engaged the crowd in one of their most well written and conceived songs. I don’t think anyone would have minded if the set went on for another half an hour or two, but all good things must come to an end.

The original three members, Matt, Vince, and Jake, have got the formula down pretty well. Matt carries the melodies on guitar as he narrates each adventure for the audience, Vince navigates on bass to elevate each song’s pulsating harmonies, and Jake drives with his on-point drum beats. The three of them work well together to produce a rich and organic sound. Jake commented that, “Sometimes it’s just fun to play with the original three. Personally, I think pure trios have a power and rawness that bigger bands can’t compete with.”

Kodiak continues to grow, and has evolved into a staple of the DC music scene. Fortunately for their fans, they have “never had a Yoko experience to keep [them] from being together” notes Matt. Up next for these guys is getting back into the studio to record new material and playing more shows in DC and Baltimore. That’s something to look forward to.