Local folk-rock enthusiasts abandoned their usual Wednesday night antics this past week to gather at The Southern for an evening full of wistful melodies, vibrant chords and the occasional charming pun by indie-folk band The Working Effective.
The crowd convened in the friendly café to laugh over drinks and joke about leather shoes and indie coffee shops. The muted glow of the bar and a few strings of white lights illuminated a sea of boots, faded plaid shirts and the occasional pair of thick-framed glasses. Before long, the audience was migrating into the darkened, cool atmosphere of the adjoining music hall, bringing along the distinctly autumnal smell of cinnamon and locally crafted beer.
The show began with opening act Ben Eppard, who immediately captivated the audience with his low, rough voice. The first notes of his track “Black Rivers” set the stage for the rest of his melancholy performance, which was supported by both a soaring violin and the rich tones of an upright bass.
Eppard is all about the genuine, raw side of folk music. He recorded his debut album, “A Hollow Note,” in an old house in Charlottesville with limited equipment before embarking on tour, relying solely on hitchhiking between shows.
Eppard’s stoic face lit up while talking about his experiences on the road. His cover of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land,” a heartfelt tribute to his 4,000-mile journey, was the highlight of his performance.
Taking the stage next was Matthew McAllister, another local musician with an indie-folk vibe. Throughout his set, McAllister’s voice shifted smoothly from a gentle, lower range to a falsetto which melted every member in the audience.
McAllister’s soft sound and effortless guitar playing was accompanied by a violin, which blended folk and rock influences beautifully. “Rivers,” McAllister’s duet with violinist Julia Kwolyk, was the clear favorite of the evening, as the audience swayed to the rhythm of the artist’s ode to Virginia’s natural beauty.
As The Working Effective stepped up to perform, the audience began to shift from the reflective, quieter mood of the opening acts as they rose to their feet. Frontman Justin Storer took the microphone, immediately engaging the room with his entertaining remarks to the crowd.
Utterly in their element, The Working Effective quickly fell into the swing of performing, their Americana folk-rock sound flowing through the room. Their songs, ranging from catchy and upbeat to sweeter and more lyrically powerful, drew mostly from the band’s newest album, “Dear Brooklyn.”
The local quintet’s strongest feature was its cohesive stage performance. Each of the individuals onstage worked together with obvious ease to give the audience an absolutely hilarious and memorable musical performance.
The Working Effective’s playful banter with their audience made the small, intimate space, filled with dancing people who love their music with a dash of humor, feel far removed from the stress and hustle of everyday life. Even in the dim lighting, joyful, captivated expressions were visible on every face.
Storer’s clear talent and charming, ridiculous wit led The Working Effective to a triumphant performance at The Southern. If you have an interest in folk-rock music, keep an eye out for the band’s performances at other Charlottesville venues later this fall, including two stints at Threepenny Cafe. If you value a good sense of humor or just love flannel, strong coffee and new experiences, The Working Effective will make you feel right at home.
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