Ledger

Tacoma’s nightlife has blossomed over the last few years thanks to the rejuvenation of downtown and the rebirth of artsy 6th Ave. Doyle’s Public House appeared somewhere in-between over a year ago and has recently done the community a commendable service by inviting local band Ockham’s Razor to entertain patrons with their inspiring Celtic music.

Thanks to the band’s rousing performances over the last month, the Irish spirit of Doyle’s Public House is livelier than ever. As a result, Doyle’s has proudly invited them to play the 17 of every month in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, according to singer Kris Clements.

Doyle’s is Tacoma’s authentic Irish pub located at 208 St. Helens Ave. Ockham’s Razor has earned the establishment’s respect by consistently wowing audiences with their refreshing sound, including traditional songs of the Celtic culture.

The band, formed last May, consists of four member: Kris Clements on lead vocals, whistles and flutes; Katie Corcoran, who began playing the violin at age 9, on the fiddle and mandolin; Ben Ireland on vocals, guitar and bass; and Randy Whitelock on drums, percussion and djembe, an instrument similar to bongo drums.

Born in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, Clements said that although the band’s music is folk-influenced, a genre, which admittedly often carries a negative connotation, their sound is best described as "acoustic alternative."

"We apply a lot of rock’n’roll and pop sensibilities into our music," Clements said, "but we don’t ever want to lose folk integrity."

The composition of the band‘s sound is a myriad of assorted parts, so one can’t be blamed for wondering what then the name, Celtic music, actually means.

"There are themes that go through Celtic music," Clements said. "There are always themes of death and betrayal. But there’s also a lot of patriotic songs; it’s rebellion, it’s ‘we will stand up for what we believe in,’ which is very important."

Interestingly enough, Clements believes the rebellion theme inspired punk rock’s roots. "[Punk rock] was a response to disco but it came out of Celtic music. A lot of the lyrics of Irish and Scottish songs are ‘up yours’ to the establishment, very much in the same vein of punk music."

For Clements, who grew up in the UK listening to Celtic music, the songs are a reflection of his culture. The tradition of these songs, some of which were written hundreds of years ago, is what most impresses him.

"The thing that’s always inspired about me about these songs is that people tend to forget that someone had to write them," Clements said. "They’re traditional, but someone actually had to sit down and put pen to paper."

More intriguing, however, is the irony inherent in the band’s name. The term ‘Ockham’s razor’ refers to the scientific principle stating that entities should not be multiplied needlessly. Or more concisely, anything occurring in nature that can be described in the simplest of terms.

"The idea really comes into (effect) when we’re writing arrangements for the songs," Clements said. "When we find a song that we like, we take it and strip it back to its bare bones and make it simple. There’s the melody and then we overcomplicate it. So it is an ironic statement."

The band began performing in June after pulling together the right members. Clements and Ireland have been friends for two years and met Corcoran while all three were in a previous band, Servants of the Rich. A special chemistry established with their friendship to the band Whitelock eight months ago, a chemistry that persuaded them to form Ockham’s Razor.

The band’s encounter with another Celtic band, Culann’s Hounds, provided them the opportunity in August to perform in California, home state of both Ireland and Corcoran. Six shows in four days allowed them to gain valuable experience playing for an unfamiliar audience, and also tested the strength of the group’s chemistry.

"We discovered that there are things about each of us that none of us can stand," Clements said. "And there are things that we really like about each other as well."

Although the inevitable arguments still occur, Clements insists that, their collective passion for the music brings them closer together.

"The nice thing is we’re able to step back from [the argument]," Clements said. "We consider each other family. Like a family, we get into arguments; once we step away from that we’re friends again."

Despite the band’s successful ventures into cities like Seattle and San Francisco, Tacoma remains their favorite place to play.

"The audiences [here] are the best audiences we’ve ever had, honestly," Clements said. "A lady after our first show in Tacoma said, ‘you found a family here. You play here and people will support you.’ That means so much, it’s inspiring."

That inspiration is remarkably evident in the band’s dynamic performances. Their constant interaction with audiences is something Clements considers essential to the reciprocal nature of their shows. "We don’t want someone to feel that they’re just watching a show," Clements said. "We want someone to feel like they’re part of it."

The message of Celtic music may not be clear to most, but akin to the band’s interpretation and embodiment of Ockham’s Razor, the key to enjoying the music is simple.

"If there is a lesson to be learned out of Celtic music, it is to enjoy life," Clements said. "Bad things happen, sure it sucks, but the next day you just have to pull your pants up and get on with it."