Free at Noon Flashback: no drums, no problem for Good Old War and Empty Houses

Empty Houses | Photo by Sydney Schaefer for WXPN

Today’s Free at Noon featured a double-header, opening up with Empty Houses, a three piece group introduced as Detroit’s “best kept secret.” Consisting of the soulful vocals of Ali Shea, the sassy guitar of David Mackinder, and the smooth keyboard work of Adam Mercer, Empty Houses produced a sometimes cute but always captivating motown-pop sound as they shared songs from their upcoming debut Daydream. They’ll play in support of Good Old war again tonight, and considering they also were one of the openers for Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties last night at Underground Arts, it’ll be the band’s third Philadelphia performance in 24 hours.

Listen to Empty Houses performance:  

 

Up next was Philly duo Good Old War in a wonderfully acousitc homecoming set. Lead vocalist Keith Goodwin introduced their first number as “the first song [he and guitarist Dan Schwartz] ever worked on together.” It was “Coney Island,” the opening track on their 2008 debut album Only Way To Be Alone. Upon its conclusion, Goodwin lifted his arms to the crowd as if to say, “is this what you wanted?” only to be met with a wild roar of approval. Next came “Small World,” off their latest record, 2015’s Broken Into Better Shape. Goodwin said before the song began that they wrote it on the way to today’s gig while stuck in 95 traffic, but admitted afterwards that he and Schwartz aren’t that talented.

Good Old War | Photo by Sydney Schaefer for WXPN | sydneyschaeferphotos.com

The harmony of Goodwin and Schwartz, accompanied by Schwartz’s work on both six and twelve-stringed guitars, captivated the audience. In the short time they had on stage, Good Old War was able to give the crowd exactly what they wanted. After three more songs, they walked off-stage (and off-air) to a loud ovation — so loud that it prompted them to return for a brief off-air encore. The pair ditched the stage for two songs, instead gathering on the floor of the venue. By request, Goodwin and Schwartz played favorites “Amazing Eyes” and “Looking For Shelter,” a song that ends with the repeated lyric of “we’ll just know when it’s right.” At that moment, with dozens of fans surrounding with adoring smiles, things felt right.

Listen to Good Old War’s performance:  

Doors open at 7 p.m. for tonight’s World Cafe Live show with Good Old War and Empty Houses. For tickets and more information, head to the XPN Concert Calendar.