Here at  Puget Playlist we are devoted to championing the best music scene in the country, the Pacific Northwest, but sometimes bands from other regions force us to stand up and take notice. That is exactly what Brooklyn-based 'We Are Augustines' did on their way through Seattle on Monday. They played a benefit show for KEXP supporters at The Triple Door in the afternoon then rocked the Neptune with 'Band of Skulls' in the evening.

I concede I knew nothing of this threesome before getting the invite to the gig at The Triple Door. I checked out a couple tracks on Youtube and decided to play hooky from work and check them out. That was the best choice I have made since betting against the Patriots in the Super Bowl in February. W.A.A. came out and proceeded to play an emotional 45 minute set that was absolutely captivating. Rob's drums were tuned perfectly and I swear my heart was beating in tune with his kick at one point. Lead singer/guitarist Billy's voice seemed to reach out and grab you in a vice grip of emotion that wouldn't let go until he decided it was time. Even when the synthesizer decided to freak out in the middle of their hit Chapel Song Billy simply smiled at the crowd; asked if we wanted them to start over or just keep going in the middle of the song; and began again after a deafening plea to take it from the top. Eric did an amazing job of seamlessly multitasking between bass, synth/keyboards, and guitar. Their set ended with a powerful acoustic version of Philadelphia that saw Eric playing grand piano, Rob adding the percussion, and Billy pouring his soul out on the stage sans instrument. 

If you get a chance to check them out in Vancouver, BC tonight or Portland on Wednesday as they make their way to Coachella do it! Their debut album "Rise Ye Sunken Ships" is out now and can be found on iTunes or in your local record store. Definitely worth picking up, I have listened to it four times in the 10 hours I have owned it.