Living lean

"I'm the one in the band that uses technology and effects," Hess says, describing Shutt as the anchor who ensures that Doosu's sound doesn't become too "airy." When the two merge their styles for a collaborative song, the result is either the harder, grinding electric guitar rock of "Clovers" or the spaciness of "Sandquilt," which could be a soundtrack for tripping out--if you're taking a trip that lasts only a little over five minutes.

When the band--now joined by Bob Maloney on keyboards--takes the stage and breaks into its first song, it establishes a level of energy that doesn't let up throughout the hour-long show. Most of the audience in the nearly packed club reacts tirelessly to both new songs and old favorites, as the band's energy and enthusiasm carry them into the late-night hours.

On stage, Shutt and Hess trade off the role of lead vocalist more or less equally. It's fascinating to see how the two singer-songwriter-guitarists share the spotlight, each fronting the band in his own way. Hess is shirtless, the surgery scars barely visible, writhing all over his half of the stage as he strums his guitar. Shutt, wearing the most clothes--he sheds only his jacket halfway through the band's set--heads the band with a calmer, cooler poise.

"I'm the 'brick wall' kind of sound, and Casey is a lot 'bigger,'" Shutt says, attempting to describe the difference between their styles. "But when you put those together--"

"It's like chocolate and peanut butter," Hess jokes.
"Eric brings rhythm, articulation, and intensity," Harwell says. "Casey brings texture, emotion, and color to the sound. It just fits together."

Hess, however, wants to keep things flexible. "It's easy to pigeonhole Eric as the dude that's eating a steak, going,"--he lapses into an exaggerated, gravelly tone--"'Let's fuckin' rawkk!' and me eating a granola bar, going,"--now Hess switches to a soft, effeminate voice--"'I really think that maybe we should sit and have a prayer before we play...'"

"But you used to drink soy and eat granola," Maloney points out.
"Right, right, I used to do that," Hess admits. "But none of that makes a difference. [Eric] knows melody just as well as I do. We both know how to rock."

Doosu plays the Dark Room Thursday, July 3, and Trees Friday, July 18.