There’s something iconic and romantic about cowboys and old western films. Maybe, in this age awash with vague morals and seeming injustice around every turn, the idea of a life filled with honor, baking sun and a trusty horse just feels comforting. Or maybe people just really like cowboy hats and those faded, dusty siesta blankets. Who knows?

 

I’m not sure. What I am sure of is Spindrift — up from Los Angeles and in town for a show at Bob’s Java Jive this Friday, Nov. 14 — takes advantage of it.

 

Spindrift is more than a band. Crafted by leader, singer, guitarist and visionary Kirpatrick Thomas, Spindrift is an amalgamation of psychedelic sounds and spaghetti western flicks — the result resonating and shape-shifting like nothing you’ve ever heard or seen before. What started as an experimental rock outfit from Delaware more than 15 years ago has become a large and ever evolving collective of musicians — reflecting the limitless possibilities of sound and presentation when harnessed by a band with a pure and unique artistic vision.

 

Spindrift is — besides everything else — far and away the best band hitting town this week.

 

“Our music makes more sense to people who are familiar with the masters of western film, from John Ford to Sergio Leone. That said, we are not trying to appeal only to people with knowledge of film history. One of the things I love about playing in this band is that it has a broader appeal than any other band I’ve ever been in,” says Spindrift bassist and baritone guitarist Henry Evans. “A lot of times it seems like people are dumbfounded by our sound. Particularly when we play for a new audience. They love the music, but don’t really know how to react to it. We are doing something unique, and I think that appeals to people. I think that this is a great moment in history, when people are optimistic about the future, and I think that Spindrift is a band that celebrates the mythology of America and the drama of the West. It resonates with people. And we try our best to have a blast every time we play.”

 

If you are familiar with the spaghetti western genre mastered by Sergio Leone, the timeless work of director John Ford and the trademark composition of composer Ennio Morricone, then you’ve got a good starting place to reference when trying to imagine the sound of Spindrift. Throw in a bit of ‘60s drug culture and the howling ghost of Jim Morrison — and you’re getting pretty close. All these attributes have helped make Spindrift the poster band for black hat wearing bands paying tribute to the past. 

 

To drive that point home, Spindrift — aided by the multidimensional talent of Kirpatrick — used their 2002 album, The Legend of God’s Gun, as inspiration for an independent film of the same name released in 2007. Naturally, the band’s music played a heavy role — as did the band members themselves, as actors in the flick. If you're into low budget westerns done the way the godfathers of the genre intended, The Legend of God's Gun may well be one of the best movies of ’07 you’ve never seen.

 

To add fuel to Spindrift’s spaghetti western fire, the band’s music will also be featured in the yet-to-be-released Quentin Tarantino film Hell Ride — a biker flick soon to see the light of day and reportedly heavy on the sex and blood. 

 

 “The band is definitely conscious of both aspects, which is part of the reason we put so much effort and money into making a film to accompany our CD, The Legend of God’s Gun,” says Evans of his band’s sound and presentation. 

 

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Spindrift celebrated the release of a new album, The West, which is sure to only further the legend the band has already built. Though I have yet to hear it, based on the band’s previous work, I say that with confidence. Something tells me the crowd at the Jive this weekend will get a heavy dose of The West.

 

I also assure you the band’s show this Friday at Bob’s java Jive is one of the weekend’s best.

Don’t take my word for it. See for yourself.

[Bob’s Java Jive, Spindrift, The Upsidedown, The Drug Purse, This Blinding Light, Friday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m., 2102 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.475.9843]