The way this track from relatively new quartet the Rainy States starts out–with a pulsing, mellow bassline and Kevin Morgan’s bright, meandering guitar–is nothing if not right up my alley.

And when I checked the band out last Friday at weird new venue Grapedrink, “Move On! Move On!” was definitely a highlight of the night (as was the band’s smooth, melancholy cover of the Stones’ “Moonlight Mile”). Singer Betsy Johnson has an utterly charming presence–she stood somewhat sheepishly up front, clad in a modest dress and cardigan–and her voice is no less sultry live than on this recording.

And the intricate instrumentation behind the song’s refrains of “move on, move on” offer a clean, lovely example of the States’ penchant for rich, angular breakdowns and gentle-yet-captivating dual vocals. I think this is one to watch, folks.

Download audio file (moveonmoveon.mp3)

The Rainy States plays Wednesday, July 11, with Crusas and China Room at the Tonic Lounge. 9:30 pm. Cover. 21+.

The Rainy States on the web
The Rainy States on MySpace
WW’s print story on the band

Photo: taken from the band’s MySpace.