Bakersfield is Norfolk country...
Norfolk. Have you heard this band yet? I was blown away by Norfolk last night at Riley’s. An alternative rock band with country music undertones. I sat at a table with NL listening to a tight and talented band with edgy and soulful lyrics. My Broken Heart was my favorite song of their set. Although I had heard them play at Narducci’s with the Dalloways, I must have been preoccupied with conversation that night because I don’t remember hearing just how good Norfolk really is.

NL and Norfolk’s lead singer James were deep in conversation when I arrived at Riley’s last night. I had come out specifically to hear Norfolk play and I lingered at the edge of their table watching creative sparks flying around both of them as they talked. I didn’t want to interrupt such creative energy so I sat down on a stool and waited.

“When did you get here?” NL suddenly asked me.

“Just a couple minutes ago.” I said.

I met James with his George Clooney haircut and warm smile, he was bursting with excitement about Norfolk’s music and the music scene. Soon after, Norfolk took the stage and I was hooked after their first song.

“Now I understand why you call them alt country.” I said to NL.

They had just the right blend of alternative rock and country melodic twang in their music.

“He almost reminds me of Dwight Yoakam. If he sang with just a little bit more twang that is.” I told NL. (I just happen to be a huge closet Dwight Yoakam fan.)

Of course James was not wearing a big cowboy hat or tight tight ripped jeans and cowboy boots like Dwight Yoakam does. James was definitely more George Clooney with a big rocking guitar strapped on. And when he sang My Broken Heart it was enough to make a girl fall in love and want to save him from his broken heart.

Norfolk is a talented band with a great sound. Check out their music on their myspace site and come out and hear them at their next show and you’ll be blown away by Norfolk like I was.  posted by Matildakay at 10:08 PM