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April 10, 2008 @ 3rd & Lindsley — The Bittersweets Believe the Hype: The Bittersweets are About to Take Nashville by Storm Formerly based in San Francisco, The Bittersweets have recently signed with Compass Records, a Nashville-based indie label with a clear vision and a keen sense for greatness. Recently relocating to Nashville, The Bittersweets' lineup consists of Hannah Prater on vocals and guitar; Chris Meyers on vocals, guitar, and piano; and now Steve Bowman (Counting Crows, Third Eye Blind) on drums. New to Nashville and the Nashville club circuit, The Bittersweets' Thursday night performance at 3rd & Lindsley proved that the reputation that preceded them from the Bay area was well-deserved. Singer and front-woman Hannah Prater's vocals are a sultry blend of Aimee Mann's melancholy nostalgia and Nanci Griffith's sunnier country-folk. With Chris Meyers providing soulful backing vocals, the result is an Americana band with an immediately gratifying sound and the depth to go the distance. To be sure, The Bittersweets will find approval among a diverse fanbase—from Lucinda fans to Rilo Kiley fans and everyone in between. With Alex McCollough sitting in on pedal steel, their sound on Thursday night was more reminiscent of Nanci Griffith than Lucinda; but their 2006 indie release The Life You Always Wanted proves that they have an affinity for tremolo-drenched guitars as well. Indeed, The Bittersweets have a refreshingly diverse palate, drawing from soul, country, and rock influences to carve out their own unique place in the Americana scene. Look for The Bittersweets forthcoming 2008 Compass Records release sometime this summer. The rumor around Nashville is that Lex Price (Mindy Smith) has been tapped to handle the production responsibilities. For those not familiar with Price, it's a safe bet that he's the next T-Bone Burnett. Regardless, all of the above is a winning combination, so check out The Bittersweets now before there's no more room on the bandwagon. —Vincent Wynne
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