Freelance Whales Get Some Love at the Bottom of the Hill
Photo Essay, Walter Lopez
May 21, 2010
I recently had the opportunity to go to a show at Bottom of the Hill. I went with a bit of hesitation, being as I was sick and the headliner wasn’t performing for a few hours. I ended up feeling so sick that I left about 4 hours into the show and only caught a song by the headliner. With that said, I was not upset or even bummed because Freelance Whales, the opening act, was incredible.
Judah gets into the music just before switching guitars
Judah, the lead singer, played a bevy of instruments and sang his heart out with every song. Someone in the crowd jokingly shouted, “Play a different instrument every song, Judah!” The next hour and a half flew by as the music made me forget about how crappy I felt. Every person in the band did their part to make each song sound like an alt-rock symphony. The music was an interesting mix of mellow, calming music and dance oriented fun.
Doris alternates between instruments and singing
I loved the show, and the crowd was in agreement. Judah was spectacular and chatted with various members of the crowed before, during, and after the show. You got the sense that Freelance Whales really loved San Francisco. That’s great because we reciprocated and loved them back just as much.
Judah closes a fan favorite after settling on a guitar
Although I wanted to see Cymbals Eat Guitars, another up-and-coming artist on the cusp of national success, I know I will have another chance. Until then however, I’m just glad I got to check out Freelance Whales, a band that I almost wrote off because I felt sick. Sometimes, it just pays to hang in there for a bit.
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