Kenneth Nichols
Appeared in the Syracuse New Times, July 2007.
It’s been far too long since The Scarlet Ending brought their SAMMY-winning blend of genres to the Central New York area. This was corrected last Saturday when the band opened the Outdoor Summer Jam at Dakota’s Brickhouse Grill. On a rare temperate Syracuse evening, the three-piece group tore through tracks from their first two CDs. They mixed in new songs and covers, including an inspired rendition of the current Beyonce Knowles hit, “Irreplaceable.”
It’s difficult to find a B-side in The Scarlet Ending’s repertoire, and the improvised setlist was nonetheless well-balanced. Skillfully blending moods, the raw hurt of “Broken” was countered with the triumphant hopefulness of “Only One.”
Though The Scarlet Ending’s music is tinged with happy melancholy, the group isn’t emo. Despite the occasional angry (but musical) snarl, the group isn’t alternative. And no one would mistake Kayleigh or Kaleena Goldsworthy for empty-headed bubblegum princesses. The music is a diverse amalgam of influences, including the pop virtuosity of Scott Walker, the bare emotion of Tori Amos and classical works and the proud impudence of the Dresden Dolls.
When playing live, the band’s high level of musicianship is apparent. A violin is used for both harmony and percussion. A melodica (half-accordion/half-harmonica) adds an unexpected background that seems perfect when you think about it. Andy Walton’s drums keep time while helping to add the missing low end a bassist would normally provide.
They enjoy the challenge of devising arrangements that fill out the sound. The members write together, striving to lay down the tracks they hear in their heads. How close do they come to this goal? “Pretty close,” Kayleigh answers with a confident but humble look in her eyes.
Their first CD, an eponymous EP, accomplished their long-term goal of getting some recorded music out into the world. The award-nominated LP, “Cries & Whispers”, was a more personal endeavor. Having settled in as a band, their third disc will undoubtedly extend their process of “pushing borders.”
The three members are grateful for the support of the Syracuse music scene, with fans savvy enough to dig the reggae Cryptkeeper vibe of “Downfall” and the full-out rock of “So Different.” Kaleena appreciates seeing so many familiar faces, and “people you don’t recognize finding a connection with you.”
The band has been busy in recent months, playing in New York City and signing with the Sophie K agency for college bookings. They finally started getting the rock star treatment, being flown out to perform at the National Association for Student Activities Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota. An upcoming summer tour with Subcat labelmate Speria will bring the Syracuse sound across the Northeast. Of course, there’s always the work of composing new songs for the next album.
Having just been accepted by Armed Forces Entertainment, the band is on call to depart for two-week stretches over the next year, playing for American troops stationed around the world. Our brave men and women in uniform are sure to be entertained by this ever-evolving trio that can’t stay still musically.
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