Little Earthquakes, Pink Halo at Bur Oak

After three years of writing, recording, experimenting, and polishing its sound, local emergent ensemble Little Earthquakes finally released its genre-bending debut album, Promises, on March 31, on streaming platforms and vinyl. In celebration of this milestone, the neo-psychedelic indie dream rock band is headlining a concert at The Bur Oak on Thursday, April 6. Little Earthquakes has played only a handful of live shows, but the band is steadily finding a niche in the Madison music community with its vibrant performances, seamless blend of diverse styles, inventive approach to music-making, and expanding fan base. The combined talents of singer Annie Kubena, drummer Mark Marsh, guitarist Shanan Galligan, bassist Brett Farrey, and keyboardist Mark Siegenthaler make for a gently dynamic artistic force.

Since releasing an initial single, “Digital Cowboy,” last May, Little Earthquakes has shared two additional selections from Promises—”Eggshells” and “Silent Treatment.” The nine-track record brilliantly showcases the band’s versatility, eclectic taste, and exceptional musicianship. Promises opens with the certified banger “Monster Feet,” injecting an instant shot of energy into the ears before segueing into the plaintive melodies and funky basslines of “Silent Treatment.” From there, Little Earthquakes takes the listener on a delightful auditory journey that traces an orbit from cosmic disco, new wave, and post-punk to electropop, neo-soul, and alternative R&B. Kubena’s enchanting vocal style and evocative lyrics are the glue that holds it all together. 

“I feel like we’re living in an alternate reality,” Kubena intones on “Cheap Dystopian Dream,” a digital bonus track. Little Earthquakes was formed just prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns and the band has come a long way. The group’s music provides a palliative for the blues of navigating a strange new world plagued by disease, war, social unrest, and economic instability. Promises offers hard evidence that creativity and expression can thrive despite, and indeed because of, adverse circumstances. Anyone looking for spiritual nourishment or a perceptual realignment should support this project and come out for what promises to be a lively, effervescent occasion. Local self-described “synth-driven indie dream pop” duo Pink Halo rounds out the bill for a perfect complement. 

—Jason Fuhrman

Photo by Chris Hynes Photography.