I overheard someone in the crowd say, “Every time I hear Jose’s voice I feel like I’m home.” They were speaking of Jose Ayerve, who was working overtime on guitar, vocals, and keys with Nuclear Waste Management Club and Bullyclub last Thursday night at SPACE. And while Ayerve no longer calls Portland his home, he proudly admits it is where he got his start writing songs as a resident of Peaks Island back in 1998.

I had seen NWMC once before, but was more impressed this time around. Ayerve and singer Anne Pinkerton bring to mind the sounds of Songs:Ohia’s Jason Molina when coupled with a female vocalist, yet less depressing, more up-tempo and very, very catchy. The standout song of the set was one called “Pill,” with Ayerve and Pinkerton harmonizing on the chorus, “I feel sorry for anyone that takes a pill to make themselves feel better.” These songs are ridden with emotion, and as personal as they are, they’re still very accessible for the audience.

Bullyclub headlined with old stuff and material off their new release, Tenure. Apparently, they will have a second release party at the North Star Café this Friday, December 7.

Thrown off a bit at the difference between sight and sound, I can’t say I had an expectation of what I thought Bullyclub was going to sound like — but I wasn’t ready for a cross between Radiohead and U2, if that’s possible to throw into the same sentence. Yes, lead singer Doug Cowan is British, but no that’s not why I’m making the comparison. You’ll have to go hear for yourself on Friday.