On Stage: Gimme Mo' Flowmotion

Something about that cloud is slightly troubling.It’s been about nine months since they last dropped into Bend, but
Seattle’s Flowmotion is returning once again for another high-energy,
multi-genre rock and roll explosion.

It’s been fun to watch
Flowmotion grow over the past two-plus years of playing in Bend. A
jam-packed show at the Annex in late 2007 (which was capped with a
cover of Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains the Same”) led to a laser-lighted
4 Peaks preview show, which then brought them to the actual 4 Peaks
main stage. At that performance, the band woke up the campgrounds,
bringing the music fans to the stage early for an early afternoon
performance that showcased how big the band’s sound can spread when it
has the room.

Fronted by the smooth yet strong vocals and guitar of Josh Clauson and further fueled by the lead guitar of RL Heyer, Flowmotion plays quintessentially honest rock and roll, but can get funky when needed. The band’s new single, “How I Know” is a perfect example of the band’s evolution from jam band to all-encompassing rock act.

Opening the show is Northern California’s Izabella – another 4 Peaks veteran – who has previously delighted dance-happy Bend crowds with their jammy, sunny weather music. The band just released an album hilariously entitled Drugs & Apple Pie that captures Izabella’s live sound well – something that isn’t always easy for a band known for an impressive live sound that spans so many different genres.

Flomotion, Izabella
9pm Thursday, May 14. Summit Saloon and Stage, 125 NW Oregon Ave. $10.

This article appears in May 7-13, 2009.