With Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie, Built to Spill arguably round out the current top three of hard-working, indie-pop, Northwest-based bands. Though hailing from Idaho, Built to Spill has long held the affections of the Seattle music scene firmly in its grasp. Unsurprisingly, the first night of their recent three night stand at The Showbox showed them to be in top form.
Like many regional, college-radio powerhouses, Built to Spill play with a unique combination of polish and grit. To be more specific, their evident comfort with both their catalog and the stage speak to the length of time, and corresponding number of shows, this band has been around. Simultaneously, they have managed to remain just below the full-fledged music industry juggernaut, retaining the garage-rock feel of a band doing what it loves because that’s the only thing it knows how to do.
Touring in support of their recent release, You in Reverse, they provided the eager crowd with a pleasing mix of old and new, from 1994’s “Car,” to the ridiculously catchy new single “Goin’ Against Your Mind.” Fortunately, if history’s any indication, there will be a good deal more of Built to Spill to look forward to.
