In the aftermath of the earthquake which shattered the already beleaguered Haiti, Americans have come together despite political disagreements to reach out in ways both traditional and innovative. Some people have sent money through text messages, some have donated blood, while others do what they do best: Play music.
Such is the case with Tucson band Race You There. Self-proclaimed culture junkies and information addicts, the group members have gone much further than merely updating their Facebook status. Shortly after the Jan. 12 earthquake, with a show already booked at Plush, the quintet came up with a truly magnanimous idea.
At this Friday’s release party for Race You There’s debut album, Acts of Treason, the band will donate half its total earnings to the Arizona Red Cross. When approached, Plush, along with supporting bands Sketching in Stereo and The Provocative Whites, jumped right in.
Plush is no stranger to philanthropic events. In the past, the venue has raised money for a variety of other causes such as AIDS, cancer and homelessness.
“”It is great that the band wanted to do a benefit, as Plush wanted to do something as well,”” said Kris Kerry, Plush’s talent buyer, in an e-mail.
“”Our heart goes out to everyone affected,”” Kerry added. “”We are trying to set up another relief show, but it may be a couple of months from now as we typically book two to three months in advance — so it takes some time to plan.””
Race You There’s dynamics are hilarious to witness as everyone banters and jokes around. Between snapping some pictures, lead singer Jacob Acosta said, “”Let’s act ridiculous. That’s more our style.””
The music, however, is anything but silly. The band’s sound is characterized by translucent layers of harmony and depth, yet each instrument is distinct, working in separate glass cases. Listen closely and you’ll hear marching bands, swanky jazz clubs and quasi-angelic chords. The vocals are hesitant and linger an extra beat after each note. Incredibly cinematic in its movements, the songs from Acts of Treason are a conflation of bright sounds reminiscent of Richard Smith and Modest Mouse. Overall, the indie pop songs are exactly the anthems you want blasting behind your strut after any big achievement.
Attending the concert will kill two birds with one stone — listen to fantastic music and be assured that your money is going toward a legitimate cause.
“”Our focus is on helping people in Haiti in this devastating time,”” Acosta said.
Bring $5 for entrance to the 21+ show and $4 for the CD, then stretch out your knees — because you’ll definitely be rocking out to Race You There.
