Honey Tongue

The list of accolades on Honey Tongue‘s résumé is as long as the tracks on Sid Vicious’ forearms: South by Southwest, countless cross-country treks, and a number of appearances on syndicated radio and television outlets have helped create a serious buzz for the Seattle quartet. But the Tongue’s calling card is vocalist, keyboardist and official band bombshell Jen Ayers, who comes across like Jewel (if Jewel were fronting a band that wasn’t afraid to rock). The Tongue is already a staple of the college touring circuit, buoyed by a sound that aims directly for the mainstream bull’s-eye without sacrificing power or emotion. It crams its latest effort, Take Me Anywhere, with wide-eyed tunes that take cynical turns: When I was making love to you my dear/I was wondering if we’d last till next year, Ayers sings on “16 (The Alley Song).” A supremely confident live machine, the group is expanding its audience in the KC area, as evidenced by the growing size of the venues it plays when it comes to town. Don’t forget to dress to impress: The Tongue’s Granada set will be videotaped for future release.