The first impression of a band right before they start playing is an integral experience to a show. Looking at their outfits, instruments and energy when they walk on stage says a lot. So, when Rubblebucket stumbled on stage wearing all sorts of neon patterns and a pickle shirt, we knew this Studio Milwaukee Session would be a treat.
Opening with the track “Stella The Begonia,” Rubblebucket brought a distinct sound that was uniquely them, representative of a decades-long artistic relationship between pickle shirt-sensation Annakalmia Traver and tambourine king Alex Toth.
Working with someone for so long creates a deeply strong bond that permeates the music. Years of hurt, love and everything in between shine through every aspect of Rubblebucket. It’s music that encapsulates the feeling of waking up to a free schedule: pure serenity.
It feels like this band’s music took over everyone’s minds at this session. Our very own Carolann Gryzybowski begged the question, “How does it feel to take over the world?”
Traver’s simple reply: “Great.”.
This performance didn’t feel like just another show to Rubblebucket; it was an illusionary experience that brought a sense of community to the performance. Watching everyone in the audience dance in their seat or join Traver’s conga line near the end of their set really drove home the point — and the band’s reason for being.
“I always say it’s hard to be an artist right now,” Traver said. “But we do it for the everyone-ness of it all.”
Being quirky is one thing, but Rubblebucket’s ability to tap into a sound that transcends the self-created social boundaries of an audience member into a greater whole is the feat of a lifetime.
Studio MKE: Rubblebucket set list
- “Stella The Begonia”
- “Moving Without Touching”
- “Rattlesnake”
- “Morning Glory Blanket”