SFist Hears: Ty Segall at Cafe Du Nord

by Taryn Harrington

Ty Segall played at Café Du Nord on Saturday night to a small and rain soaked crowd. Still, Segall made up for its low attendance. For even in a smaller crowd, the energy from his lo-fi, 60s influenced garage rock was infectious.

He played a handful of newer songs along with favorites from his recent release, Lemons. Each time, the song sounded effortlessly raw yet tightly perfected. It’s a combination that sets Segall apart from the pool of talented artists who are mastering a similar lo-fi, rock vibe.

For the past few years, Segall has been involved in a garage-band music scene that has gained recognition for bands like The Oh Sees, Sic Alps, and The Fresh & Onlys. Segall (who occasionally plays drums for Sic Alps) has gone from a one-man act, simultaneously playing three instruments at once, to a three-piece band (if you happened to miss his solo shows, youtube offers a great clip of him playing at Amnesia last year). As his solo act perfected a kind of good-natured innocence, Segall is now developing a rare and edgy sophistication.

Saturday at Du Nord showcased other bands that appear eager to jump on board. The Baths offered a mixed genre of Psych, rock and soul that was hugely interesting and unique, while CCR Headcleaner and The Neighbors kept the anxiety ridden garage crowd on their toes.