Virtual Gallery: Royal Teeth, Coyotes and Sean Bruce

A trio of Louisiana based acts ascended on to the Freret Street Publiq House stage this past Friday. Much like the cultural climate of New Orleans itself, Royal Teeth, Coyotes and Sean Bruce’s music together produces a gumbo of sorts. On a surface level, the acts — Royal Teeth, an indie pop band; Sean Bruce, an indie folk singer/songwriter; the Coyotes, an Americana and alternative country band — have few stylistic similarities. However, when the sounds of the three were jumbled together in a single performance, an unique and amazing auditory concoction emerged, the love of the city the roux that held it all together.

The evening began with folk singer Sean Bruce and a friend, which drew in a steady crowd; by the end of Bruce’s set, the room was nearly filled to capacity.

Following Bruce’s set, the Coyotes performed. The guys hadn’t played in town for quite some time (however, you can catch them again on September 30 at Gasa Gasa) and, in the meantime, have been working on new material that they shared for the first time with a new lineup. The new set of songs included the addition of a lap-steel guitar, which lent the set a fuller sound.

The evening concluded with music from Royal Teeth. This show was a homecoming of sorts for the New Orleans-based band, as the bandmates have touring for close to three years now. The set was a well-rounded, featuring music from 2013 album GLOW; the extended play of their 2012 album, Act Naturally; as well as four new tracks, all of which proved to be a hit with the crowd. Royal Teeth’s next new Orleans performance is scheduled for Voodoo Fest, during Halloween festivities.

The diverse composition of genres and the unexpected harmony they collectively produced jived with New Orleans’ air of eccentricity and inclusiveness. And based on the audience’s energetic response to the show, the city wouldn’t have it any other way.

Steven Hatley is a New Orleans-based photographer. You can find more of his photos here.