Glass Rock are like a total eclipse – the coming together of the lunar space pop of Detroit’s Soft Location, with the solar fireworks of New York folksters Tall Firs.
After the two bands were introduced by a mutual acquaintance, they decided to meet up in Brooklyn for a wild fling – and Glass Rock was born. Their debut album ‘Glass Rock’ was recorded in six days and is a celebration of sultry lounge rock, hinging around Kathy Leisen’s knowing voice. And like an eclipse, a Glass Rock gig is full of the inquisitive type, intent on catching even a fleeting glimpse.
The five-piece open with ‘Ghost Of A Dream’, which is as an unhurried come-on as we’ve seen one. Next up is a Tall Firs track ‘So Messed Up’, sung by guitarist Dave Mies. It’s a decent song, but relegating Leisen to backing vocal duties feels a little wrong. Thankfully, she takes the lead on ‘Possession’, ensuring all eyes are on her. Hair scrunched up, in a t-shirt and jeans, and seemingly without a drop of make-up, Leisen is effortlessly bewitching. Her voice is rich in desire and longing, and would fit a smoky Manhattan jazz club as well as it suits the cool kitsch of the Deaf Institute.
‘Golddigger’ and ‘Take It Back’ neatly sandwich another Tall Firs track – the spiky ‘Blue In The Dark’ – and the sizeable audience shuffle a little closer. However, the highlight is “their theme tune,” ‘Glass Rock’, introduced as not only their band name but also “the way we live our life.” Leisen’s languorous vocal drapes itself over the velvety loping beat. “It’s all made up,” she purrs; proof positive that Glass Rock are living in the moment.
Words by John Freeman
