Alberta Cross Rocks the Black Cat

Alberta Cross w/ Hacienda
The Black Cat, DC, February 3

recommended beverage:
water. It was wicked hot packed in that little room.

Formed in London though now based in New York,the all-bloke band Alberta Cross played a soulful set at the Black Cat. Packed into the sold-out little Backbar, the crowd listened to a band playing their hearts out with the talent to fill an arena. Singer-guitarist Peter Ericson Stakee, looking a little like Kid Rock and decked out in a big black hat, filled the room with powerful, pure, gorgeous vocals. This ain’t imported Brit pop; this is a sound built on bluesy, folk-rock.

The band’s debut album, Broken Side of Time, is a gem. The folksy ballad, “Ghost of the City Life,” features slide guitar and evokes traces of Neil Young, one of their big influence. One of the catchier tunes from the album, “The Thief and the Heartbreaker,” is also the title of their 2007 EP.

Opening band, Hacienda, from San Antonio, Texas, three of whom are brothers, was a rocking surprise. Had seen them play acoustic opening for Los Lonely Boys at the Birchmere a few months ago but had no idea they could rock out with such aplomb. They were also out supporting their newest album, Big Red and Barbacoa, due out this spring.