The Cat From Hue, indie/psych-folk quintet from Camano Island, Washington, are an interesting listen. Clearly influenced by other indie bands from the northwest, Modest Mouse and Portugal. The Man, this young group uniquely portrays the Puget Sound in their lyrics alongside upbeat, folksy instrumentals. In “Welcome Back The Rain,” through well constructed folk guitar, slow drum beats, tambourine, and high keys, their music emulates the sound and feeling of a typical rainy day in the Puget Sound. Their lyrics in this song are delivered strong and sleepy, with the verse declaring “We watch the days run down to the hour change/We watch the green leaves turn around, and walk through the sleet and the rain…” and more cleverly sour lyrics regarding the Seattle music scene: “I hear the Puget Sound is Land of the Green/I reciprocate the meaning with the speech about the scene […] just a crow in my crow’s nest/tippin’ back my Seattle’s Best Coffee.”
The Cat From Hue — “Welcome Back The Rain,” from Shoreline
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/04-Welcome-Back-The-Rain.mp3]
The Cat From Hue — “Stumble On,” from Shoreline
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/03-Stumble-On.mp3]
The Can From Hue are currently unsigned and have many shows lined up. To see more information about the band visit their myspace, myspace.com/catfromhue, or visit them on Facebook. See below for a video of them live, acoustic, as well as a look at their upcoming shows.
City and Colour, also known as Dallas Green from Alexisonfire, will be releasing a new full-length album coming February 12. The indie and folk-rock driven acoustics and enchanting vocal melodies that Dallas creates strongly accentuate the emotion behind his lyrics. A great success of a solo career! Dallas, a native of Ontario, will be kicking his tour off with a show at MuchMusic in Toronto on the 12th. They have also recently released a video for “Waiting.” Full tour dates can be found at 
Papercuts, fronted by Jason Robert Quever, bring us two unique and refreshing pop/folk rock albums: his debut Mockingbird (2004), and latest release Can’t Go Back (2007). In both albums, Quever takes on airy vocals that blend beautifully with his folk-style guitar work interlaced with string instruments, gentle percussion, and cheery pop tunes. His timeless style, most apparent in “Take the 227th Exit” and “Outside Looking In,” will very likely keep him in the spotlight for many years to come. Papercuts will also be going on tour this year beginning February 28th through April. Further information on tour dates may be found on