West Coast alternative folk artist Emma Ruth Rundle just wrapped up a series of intimate shows across the states supporting her recent release, Engine of Hell. Accompanying her on this run was highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Patrick Shiroishi. We were fortunate to be in attendance for the first of two shows at Somerville’s (Boston) Crystal Ballroom on April 8th for a completely sold-out crowd. With nearly every seat in the venue full, Shiroishi got the night started with a beautiful performance on saxophone utilizing looping pedals and other effects to layer sonic elements into dramatic soundscapes—at one point using muted breaths on his saxophone and other techniques to mimic the crashing of ocean waves and calls of sea birds and other critters. His set varied from peaceful moments...