Seraphina Lotkhamnga on October 12th, 2011

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L.A.’s quintet Son Ark may only have a handful of live demos online, but one listen to “Going to the Woods” will reel in anyone who appreciates roots rock with a slight twist of blues. Vocalist Robin Harris sings his story as good as any jazz singer, and it makes sense since Son Ark started out as a duo playing in speakeasies, cafés and street corners six years ago. Since then, Harris and guitarist Sherman Pascoe have recruited bassist Chris Sousa, banjo player Matt Sousa and drummer Patrick Butterworth (who also plays in L.A. band Dios) to flesh out the layered harmonies that effortlessly float above bright Americana arrangements. “If I’m not back before dawn / Don’t come looking” Harris sings with conviction, but tunes that stomp and sway like this may have listeners looking for Son Ark at more shows around town.

||| Download: “Going to the Woods” from their bandcamp page.

||| Live: Son Ark plays Oct. 15 at Taix and Oct. 21st at Stories.

Photo by Kate Rentz