Whitehorse Show Review

By Harriet Kaplan

Whitehorse, the Canadian-based husband and wife duo, featuring Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland, have been lauded and praised by critics for their ability to write strong, memorable songs (love, politics and struggles within) combined with stellar musicianship. And rightly so. The duo exhibits a distinctive stylistic flair switching back and forth between genres creating a particular mood and atmosphere in each number they perform drawing the listener in. At a recent show at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood, CA, these talents were further realized and fleshed out more with sonic intensity against a backdrop of the roots rock, blues and folk material. Most of the seven-song set was drawn from the duo’s latest LP, “Leave No Bridge Unburned. “Downtown” was a highlight.

Whitehorse also performed one song, “Devil’s Got A Gun,” from “The Fate Of The World Depends On This Kiss.” Playing a Gretsch, Doucet offered up smoking guitar virtuosity. He colored the arrangements with Spaghetti Western and rockabilly-flavored licks. In contrast to this sound, singing in unison with McClelland, who has a clean, evocative voice, was a nice compliment and vocal counterpart to Doucet. McClelland gave the musical landscape a 60s pop dimension. Doucet not only played lead guitar, but drums and programmed beats, and shook maracas. McClelland played bass and acoustic guitar as well as keys. Occasionally, they both sang through a device that gave their voices an experimental edge. The duo have a sultry and smoldering chemistry that captivated the audience. Though they rarely spoke between songs, Doucet told a cute story about trying to write a sexy song. He described the song as missing element or ingredient to solidify the material for their latest album and came with up “Sweet Disaster.” Whitehorse are seasoned professionals having performed and recorded on their own and with other musicians and bands. The culmination of their musical experience and chops made this show a satisfying one musically as well artistically.

Photos by Jacki Sackheim