What Laura Says is a band from Tempe Arizona that was welcomed by a sparse crowd at the Casbah.  A band member commented to another before starting, "Could it be any quieter in this room?"  The other replied, "Let's try anyway."  Try they did, with no signs of acting like they were only playing to a couple dozen people or so.  The first song gave a good idea of what the band was about: fun, lighthearted and folksy bluegrass.  A part of the song had the line, "Nobody can hear what you're saying." Three of the band members proceeded to say random incomprehensible things during the song.

The songs mostly had no break in playing from one to another, which is a good way to increase actual stage time and to not let anyone get bored.  It was the same sort of bluegrass feeling until the fourth song where they got psychedelic with a high guitar blaring instrumental. After this point the lead singer's voice twisted into Maroon 5 singer tone (shudder), but luckily that effect faded.  The keyboard was finally used for the next song which gave a much more appealing feel to their music for those not complete lovers of bluegrass/folk.

Immediately after finishing their set, a band member said, "Wow, it's quiet."  The response or lack thereof was not their fault.  It seemed to be a combination of the wrong audience and not enough of them; most bands that are decent will get decent applause with a large crowd that often is simply looking to have a good time.  Though there were not many people in the crowd, I saw a couple mouthing lyrics, but for all I know they could be friends with the band.  The band did genuinely thank the people there for coming out and more than once.

While What Laura Says was a fun band, including a percussionist who used everything from a coffee can to a pitcher and more, they did not amaze.  One thing to be said for them is they know how to arrange a set list.  The songs became progressively more entertaining, the best being last.  When Annuals began they asked how people liked What Laura Says and got a lesser response than the same question about the other opener.  The lead singer of Annuals then said, "You should like them more."  Maybe he is right, but the majority of people he asked that question to never even got to hear them.  They are a band worth giving a shot though, but deserve the warning of not being for everyone, open minded or not.