The Loose Floorboards
The Loose Floorboards Music Review
My primary purpose in heading to Tacoma’s New Frontier Lounge on Saturday, May 24, was to finally see the band Sunrust perform live. (Check out their review on the LTATM website.) However, I would be remiss if I didn’t also devote time to talking about their opening act and fellow Tacoma-based band, the Loose Floorboards.
The Loose Floorboards focus on playing rock and roll, with heavy influences from groups like the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and the Band. Their Instagram states that “[t]heir sound has been described as a mix between Tom Petty and [t]he Violent Femmes, both raw and polished at the same time.” I agree with that—I found their music easy-going and fun to listen to, and I completely enjoyed their time on stage.
Local singer-songwriter Adam Hendricks (vocals and guitar) leads the group; he is an experienced musician who has influenced the Tacoma music scene for over a decade. Adam is joined by Chad Russell (drums/percussion), James Coates (bass/keyboard), and Johnny Toulouse (lead guitar). The band has a chill vibe and loves to showcase their original music along with some great oldies covers.
Which brings me to my favorite moment right at the beginning of their set: a song melody that hit me right in the heart, but which I could not put my finger on. I knew it was a super-old oldie, but one of the greats from that time—a real “oldie but goodie” flashback. The Loose Floorboards did an amazing job with it, but it wasn’t until the title and artist were announced that it finally clicked: Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away.” Unfortunately, I didn’t live-record the song on my TikTok, but if anyone remembers Buddy Holly, they nailed it.
Their other songs definitely incorporated influences from the rock and roll greats like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. But when they performed Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Green RIver,” I was completely hooked and knew I had to see these guys again. I realize that I should be writing more about the Loose Floorboards’ original songs (which are fantastic, BTW), but I just love it when independent musicians pay tribute to the older greats and do it so well. It really felt like the band raised the old rock-n-roll spirits before Sunrust came onto the stage.
Here is their set list for that evening:
Dying Alone
Moving on
Through To You
Kind of Hearted Woman Blues
Oh, Me
Coming Back Around
In Each Other’s Arms Again
Once You Cross The Line
Everyone Envies Me
No Room to Grow
You Got Lucky
Lost in Space
Nowhere to Space
Take a Test Flight
As you can see, the Loose Floorboards played a very full set with lots of originals. Afterwards, I spoke with drummer Chad Russell about the Buddy Holly song and how it had really resonated with me. We were going to sit down and discuss it at length, but Sunrust was about to start their set and I needed to focus there. One thing is for certain: I am looking forward to jamming with the Loose Floorboards again—and I hope it is very soon!
We are truly gifted to feature so many talented musicians here in the PNW, so make sure you show your love and appreciation to the next artist or group you listen to.
The Loose Floorboards - at The New Frontier Lounge
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