Tomten ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Telling you Tomten is one of the best young bands in Seattle is old news. They were triumphant at SoundOff! last year and other local music writers have been singing their praises for quite some time. Still, it is news that bears repeating. Just in case you, like me, have managed to miss Tomten, now is a good time to give ‘em listen, or better yet see them live tonight at The Sunset.

I was thoroughly charmed by Tomten earlier this year when they opened for Bryan John Appleby and Motopony at Neumos. These kids are Brit-Pop aficionados, but instead of focusing on Radiohead or Arctic Monkeys or Oasis, or any of the slick ’90s and after Brit Pop bands, they’ve stuck to the jagged, jangly classics. Clearly students of The Kinks, these Davies’ disciples with a touch of Teenage Fanclub are crafting some just-right retro gems. Live the band is unassuming, gangly, awkwardly adorable, visibly nervous, and nothing short of pros. I could feel my jaded layers peeling with every perfectly executed harmony, jaunty bass line, clever turn of phrase and self-conscious fidget. Many musicians think they are better than they are, while Tomten doesn’t seem to realize their talents. And man, if that doesn’t make me like them even more.

Tomten take Ballard at Sunset Tavern stage tonight at 10pm with Kithkin and openers Danny The Street. Its 21+ and $6 at the door.

Tomten ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Tomten ::: photo by Josh Lovseth