Grand Hallway is a name that evokes eminence, a kind of timeless grandeur. Such is the quality of the octets sprawling orchestral pop music it is stately without being stuffy and dreamy but not too distant. Grand Hallways songs are built upon layers of guitar, violin, piano and percussion all showcasing frontman Tomo Nakayamas smooth, exquisite tenor. (Sean Nelson of Harvey Danger dubbed Nakayamas the most beautiful singing voice in Seattle). The craftsmanship that went into putting these songs together is apparent some of the lush melodies are stop-in-your-tracks gorgeous, even more so when coupled with the swelling strings and tinkling piano keys and lyrically, too, they are packed with stirring, picturesque emotion. When youre lying next to me, Im a hibernating grizzly bear, lilts Nakayama on Blessed Be, Honey Bee, a track off of Grand Hallways forthcoming LP, Promenade. Refreshingly, the music lacks tired irony or any other superciliousness instead, these are simply dazzling and eloquent love songs. With Friday Mile, Apple War and carcrashlander.
Thu., July 2, 8 p.m., 2009