GimmieNoise.com » Band Review » The Builders and the Butchers
The Builders and the Butchers
The Builders and the Butchers have been singing their apocalyptic brand of Americana since the fall of 2005, and now, three records and hundreds of shows later they’ve proven themselves to be one of the most unique bands around. 
Their arrangement is reminiscent of a traditional bluegrass group, picking on banjos, mandolins and acoustic guitars while adding texture with the occasional violin or trumpet, but the contagious energy of their live performance rests in their unconventional rhythm section. By breaking down a drum set and splitting it between two percussionists they bring the explosive spirit of a punk band and when the fatalist croons of vocalist Ryan Solee are added to the mix it results in the liveliest funeral songs to ever come out of the Northwest.
The band has been touring nearly nonstop for the past 3 years, supporting the likes of Murder by Death and Portugal the man, yet no matter how big the show they put their focus on connecting with their audience, encouraging the crowd to shout along, beat a drum or shake a tambourine making their show something to experience instead of simply observe. 
You can catch them headlining at the Hawthorn Theater Saturday night with fellow Alaskan transplants, Turbo Perfecto and local alt rockers, Quiet Life. If you’re looking to get your bones moving this weekend, this is the place to do it.
Written by Benjamin Toledo
Ben Toledo is a Hawaiian born, desert raised, northwestern transplant whose love for writing is exceeded only by his love for music. He’s spent the better part of the last decade playing bass in different bands and in doing so developed an addiction to live music that led him to become an active member of his local music scene. Through writing for gimmenoise.com he hopes to bring recognition and exposure to as many of the talented groups in Portland’s growing music community, a task he is excited to take on.
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