The first act we saw at the Coachella this year was Arizona band Dear and the Headlights, with a pleasant alt-country-tinged rock sound a bit like long-timers Limbeck. In the photo above, from left: Mark Kulvinskas (drums), at the mike Ian Metzger (vocals, guitar, keys), and Robert Cissell (guitar, keys). I think the man with the tambourine might be their producer and friend Bob Hoag.

Lead singer and band lyricist Ian Metzger

From left: PJ Waxman (vocals, guitar, keys), Chuckie Duff (bass, keys), and Kulvinskas

More photos: Click to embiggen thumbnails

I do not recommend hopping from stage to stage at festivals without seeing a band’s entire show, but due to the rigorous schedule we had set for our selves, that is what we did here even though Dear and the Headlights appeared to be putting on a nice performance and Metzger has a strong, clear voice with an aching quality. I am glad we saw the part we did.

Dear and the Headlights:
Sweet Talk from Small Steps, Heavy Hooves (2007)
I’m Not Crying. You’re Not Crying, Are You? from Drunk Like Bible Times (2008)

MySpace | Website | Label: Equal Vision Records | BUY
Show Schedule: Van’s Warped Tour

Filed under: Coachella 2009, Dear and the Headlights

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