Hemline Theory Brings Sultry Cabaret Rock to Stone Tavern

Kent Patch was recently contacted by Adam Renchen, drummer for the Toledo-based band Hemline Theory, to see if we were interested in covering their upcoming Kent show. I figured I might as well check them out.

When I clicked the song samples on their Facebook profile, I was quite surprised. The music was good, which was a nice start, but it was also a completely unexpected sound.

Now I’m not sure what I was expecting – but it certainly wasn’t this. Sultry female cabaret-style vocals, with touches of Cowboy Junkies, Portishead and Garbage, and even a hint of Nina Simone. It’s an eclectic blend the group refers to as “cabarock.”

Hemline Theory plays the Stone Tavern tonight at 10 p.m.

Renchen first heard lead singer Sarah Tebbe sing about 10 years ago on her porch in Cincinnati. She was singing some of her very first compositions, but Renchen was taken with the imagery and poetry of her lyrics. And of course, her captivating voice.

That was the start of a long-term songwriting partnership. After moving to Toledo in 2008, the pair formed Hemline Theory. They quickly became a local favorite by playing bars, clubs and area colleges.

The group began work on their first CD, For the Stranger, in 2009, and it was released late last year. The album’s 10 cuts showcase Tebbe's evocative lyrics and an intriguing sonic blend, with elements of rock, jazz, blues and folk. A wide variety of instruments are utilized to service the sound, including piano, banjo, guitar and vibes, along with sandpaper and front-porch stomping.

“The thread in all of our music is Sarah's lyrics and melodies,” Renchen said. “Most songs center on that or start with that. We provide musical bits for Sarah to build on, and then a lot of times I do a lot of the arranging.”

While the band is already in the process of recording their next effort, they continue to showcase songs from For the Stranger in their live shows, along with new material co-written by bassist Jefferson Camacho and pianist/guitarist Eric Pilcher.

Through a friend at Kent State, Renchen hooked up with Louis DelBene of the Stone Tavern. Hemline Theory also plays Saturday night at Annabell's in Akron.

“This is only our second trip out of the Toledo area after a successful night in Saginaw, MI, a few months ago,” Renchen said. “We hope for a lot more to come though.”

In keeping with the Stone Tavern’s policy of almost never charging a cover, the show is free. The Sexy Pig Divas, a group that describes themselves as an experimental indie folk rock duo, will open.

It has all the makings of a fun and interesting night of music. And did I mention free?