Shovels and Rope brings southern swagger to Local 506

All photos by Kevin Norris

Tuesday night brought the duo Shovels and Rope, comprised of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, to Local 506 in Chapel Hill, and they brought their unique blend of southern swagger along with them.

The duo rocked through songs from their debut album and forthcoming sophomore release as well as tunes from each of their most recent solo albums, Trent's The Winner and Hearst's Lions and Lambs.

Highlights of the set included the always excellent "Boxcar" and the new songs "Kemba's Got the Cabbage Mouth Blues" and "The Keeper." After closing the set with the rowdy tune "Bad Luck," the duo were called back to the stage by the crowd for one more tune. They ended the night with the somber "Magdalena."

During the show, Hearst noted that they've had a hard time booking a show in Chapel Hill because there is so much talent in the area, but hopefully their fantastic set will make it easier to get them back soon.

Shovels and Rope will return to the Triangle this fall on tour with Butch Walker and the Black Widows. They will play the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh on Friday, October 28.

Charlotte band Matrimony was second on the four-band bill at Local 506, and played an excellent set of folky, ambitious pop that is reminiscent of Mumford and Sons. The set was a fantastic and these guys (and girl) are certainly a band to keep your eye on.

The Bayonets were third on the bill, and played some fairly run-of-the-mill folky pop rock. Some songs were very alt-country, while others were more Springsteen-esque, rock songs. The band have a lot of energy, but don't seem to have found their identity yet.

Shovels and Rope set list
Gasoline
The Country Wave
Kemba's Got the Cabbage Mouth Blues
Boxcar
Tell the Truth
The Keeper
When I...
Kitchen Hallway
Who's Gonna Raise These Babies?
?
Complicated Type
Bad Luck
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Magdalena

Shovels and Rope







Matrimony





The Bayonets