Nightmare & The Cat
(Photo, L to R: Samuel Stewart; Django Stewart; Claire Acey)
When they first appear on stage, this new L.A. band would seem to have a lot working against them.
First, they are very young: Django Stewart, the lead singer, is only 19; his brother Samuel is 22; Claire Acey is 21.
The brothers seem privileged somehow: playing together they have a synergistic preppie attractiveness. They dress well and speak with the refined London accents of their childhood. Claire Acey has the long black locks, beauty, and ethereal air of a classic Muse. In our cynical, hard-bitten times it all looks a little much...
Luckily, the brothers have been practicing in bands for years (a combined 10 years). Django has a great voice; Samuel can really play, and the three part harmonies with Claire are wonderful. Their original music is appealing and the songs seem smart. Lucky for them -- otherwise this band just wouldn't work at all.
Nightmare & The Cat play their first NYC shows Oct. 20, 21, 24 and 29. And will return to play in Los Angeles in November.
Here are two samples of NMC unplugged:
You can get club info, and hear more music, here.