He’s My Brother She’s My Sister at Larimer Lounge: concert review

Seeing indie-folk band He’s My Brother She’s My Sister play for the first time, the first impression is likely to be:

 

“A tap-dancer for a percussionist? Really?”

 

Really.

 

Never mind for the moment how the band actually sounds (we’ll get to that)—let’s talk about how the band’s “drummer” is actually a tap dancer named Lauren Brown, who dances on a customized bass drum laid on the floor while filling in the gaps by striking the occasional snare, tom or cymbal while she dances.

 

For most bands, this would basically be considered a gimmick. Not for HMBSMS; they actually make it work. The tap integrates effortlessly into the band’s sound, and even adds a cool visual vibe when you’re watching them perform. 

 

Speaking of visuals, this is a band that really should be seen in order to get the full experience, as the crowd at Denver’s Larimer Lounge found out when the band came through town Tuesday night. Their overall sound is quite catchy, understandably percussion-rich, and could be classified as indie-folk or Americana, with a tinge of blues, southern rock and glam thrown in for good measure. But seeing the band play adds a whole new dimension, as opposed to just hearing them. Co-fronted by actual siblings Robert and Rachel Kolar, the band’s mode of dress, stage presence, passionate delivery and overall attitude give off reminders of vaudeville, or the old-time traveling carnival acts of long ago (“STEP right up, ladies and gentlemen”). Again, it’s not gimmicky, not too over the top—just off-center enough to make things fun and entertaining.

 

Apparently, the band’s reputation is preceding them; the turnout at Larimer Lounge was quite solid for a mid-week event, and the crowd that came out was not disappointed. He’s My Brother She’s My Sister is a band worth coming out to see the next time they come to town.