Miss Derringer proves worth of second show

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The realizations began to mount: That guy’s voice is ... intriguing; he’s wearing an eye patch; the drummer has a bandanna over his mouth; they have back-up singers? Oh, right – dancers; I think that’s a pirate hat and a pilot’s cap; these guys are like cowboy pirate troubadours.

The “these guys” in question are Miss Derringer, which is a band, not a lady. The quintet is unusual, dramatic, historical and moving. And you can see them tonight at their second show at Tonic Lounge in as many days.

And how to describe the music? It’s new wave-tinged indie country rock, with the country coming mostly from frontwoman Elizabeth McGrath’s sultry twang and the Western accents on their outfits.

In this way, it sounds like Rilo Kiley, with slightly country music made much more so by the vocals. Also, even the happier songs have a melancholy tone, from the first words sung: “Click click, bang bang.”

McGrath’s husband, Morgan Slade, also does vocal duties (along with guitar), and duets between the two carry a layer of real passion. Slade’s parents were even able to see the show, traveling the couple hours from their Amador County home, and they stood in the middle of a crowd packed in front of Tonic’s stage.

The closer the better to see the bands unique look and stage antics. There are indeed background dancers, whose makeup and posture make them look like dolls. It’s a little scary, but also hypnotic as they accompany McGrath’s own movements as she bounces to the music, just like her blond curls.

McGrath is somewhat stiff at times, decked out in sparkly saloon showgirl outfit, and, as noted, all the songs require a certain gravitas. But when each was done, her face lit up as the applause built. Her smiles and gratitude seemed absolutely genuine as her eyes crinkleD, and she blithely exclaimed, “We’re moving here!”

Another piece of the Derringer puzzle was Brother Dan B. Harvey, who played his first show with the band on Friday. Thus, the encore was preceded by a “we might not know this” disclaimer. But he played well throughout and really looked like he could be a preacher on “Deadwood.”

The whole image is one of U.S. history mixed with modern punk accents. And the sound is even better than the unique look. See and hear it tonight at Tonic at 9 p.m. with local openers Above All Things and the Cowbelleros.

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