Rantz: Top 5 singles by local bands in 2016

This year was a good one for local musicians. From folksy-rock to indie-pop, there have been a number of phenomenal local acts cranking out inspired-tunes just begging for national attention. Here are the Top 5 Local Singles of 2016 that I encourage you to check out:

5. Silver Torches: “Woman in Rust”

You can’t go wrong with a Silver Torches track. Pick any song off the album Heatherfield and you’ll be treated to his beautiful, powerful, soulful voice that “Woman in Rust” takes full advantage of. You’ll hear hints of Nick Drake and Bob Dylan, but Erik Walters (the man behind Silver Torches) is his own performer, crafting moving and complex stories. And if you’re wondering if his near-perfect studio sound might be the beneficiary of some post-production tinkering, check out his flawless live performance at KIRO Radio’s Holiday Magic.

4. Vaudeville Etiquette: “Crosseyed Crazy”

I find it hard to pull off dual lead vocals well, but Seattle-based Vaudeville Etiquette manage to do it to great effect. They released their sophomore album Aura Vista Motel (named after a local former motel) this year and this single shows just how talented, deep and exciting this group is.

3. Kris Orlowski: “Enough”

It seems unfair that more people don’t know Kris Orlowski, a singer/songwriter as powerful solo as he is with a full band supporting him. He is a true artist, not just a performer. He tells relatable stories in gorgeously produced, complex, yet catchy and accessible songs. “Enough” is a favorite of mine off his 2016 album Often in the Pause.

2. Young in the City: “Gold in the Sun”

Noah Gunderson is supernaturally talented. He manages to sound polished and raw at the same time and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a song as near-flawless as “Gold in the Sun” (even his imperfections are brilliant; listen at 3:28 for a slight break in his voice — it’s a remarkably perfect imperfection). Though this song was technically released in December of 2015, it’s part of a two-part EP completed in 2016.

1. Duke Evers: “Don’t Stare”

Duke Evers is having a good year. The trio signed a record deal and released their first full-length album Velvet Hips. This is a rock band, personified. They look and sound the part. But it would be a serious error in judgment to leave it at that. They’re much more; lead vocalist Josh Starkel is much more. His vocals go from a melodious and sensitive pop-rock star to Elvis-like drawl to a hard rocker, oftentimes all in a single track. He’s a genre shape-shifter. And his lyrics are equally impressive, managing to be introspective and vulnerable, yet delivered in confident performances. “Don’t Stare” is particularly magnetic.

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