While attending Local Natives at The Fillmore in San Francisco, I was surprised by their opener, The Union Line. After hearing their first few songs, my ears stuck straight up in reverie. The Union Line has been together since 2008, releasing their self-titled album that same year. Hailing from San Juan Capistrano, these guys definitely embody some Southern California attributes but still have a sound that is all their own. Plucked from California’s goodie-bag of musical talent, The Union Line is taking the indie music scene by storm leaving no trace of uncertainties or doubts behind.
Right from the start of “Pearls,” their soulful bellows, catchy acoustics, and background harmonizing pulls you in and refuses to let go. The raw, powerful cries of “money don’t talk it screams,” gives us a quick glimpse of what it must be like to be penniless and broken, only surviving on boundless spirit and the need to break free of the expected and ordinary. Their sound could be best described as spirited rock with a hint of soul and a pinch of delightful ditties, ultimately concocting a recipe for pure greatness.
The roars from the crowd after their last song at the show really proved that these gritty gents have what it takes to go far in the biz and deserve every ounce of respect that comes their way. While looking around the over-stuffed venue, it was clear that many of these folks would be going home and quickly racing to their computers to tweet, chirp, or chat about the overall wondrous experience of the show.