Since 2007, existential folksters Balmorhea have released three critically praised albums and an EP, so they’ve been around the block a few (or four) times. Their signature combination of classical elements and American folk strips the listener naked and bathes him in atmosphere, exposing him to the emotional elements of life. Their music is both patient and sprawling, meditative and mysterious, and it speaks to the world we live in (and beyond).
They’re currently preparing to release Constellations through Western Vinyl, due out February 23. In addition, the band will soon embark on a North American tour, which culminates at SWSW in March.
We’re lucky enough to have for your ears the first single from Constellations, entitled “Bowspirit” (MP3).
Rock and roll has seen its share of great duos in recent years—The White Stripes and The Kills being among the best—but no other band attacks the senses with as much raw power as Steven Ansell and Laura-Mary Carter, better known as Blood Red Shoes. The Brighton, England group’s 2008 debut, Box of Secrets, was a cherry bomb of a record that dripped with raw, dangerous sexuality. The fast and furious album’s bloody hooks and visceral appeal landed it a spot on Owl&Bear’s world-renowned Best of 2008 list, and we’ve been waiting anxiously for its follow-up.
But now the wait is over. Out on March 10 through V2 Records, Fire Like This contains ten highly combustible tracks from the band. Those eager for a sampling of the album can go to the band’s official website, where they’re streaming a new track every week until its release. “Light It Up”, “Colours Fade”, and live favorite “Keeping It Close” had previously been posted to the site, and the band just today added the red-hot “Heartsink”, which the group describes as “a pop song that we tried to destroy from the inside out”. Those inclined to join the band’s newsletter will be rewarded with a free download of “Colours Fade”. Continue reading →
Let it never be said that Drew Andrews can’t multitask. The multi-instruentalist’s best-known gig, San Diego flagship electronic act The Album Leaf, are set to release their fifth full-length album, A Chorus of Storytellers, on February 2nd through Sub Pop records. Andrews also plays in the side project Via Satellite with fellow Album Leaf member Tim Reece. He’s even written two novellas, The Shepherd’s Journals and Lella, both of which are available as free downloads from Feedbooks. But when Drew Andrews isn’t dividing his time between those worthy endeavors, he devotes his energies to his best project yet: Drew Andrews. Continue reading →
We loved The Besnard Lakes‘ 2007 release Are The Dark Horse; the album mixed Beach Boys vocals and haunting atmospherics with periodic sonic bludgeonings thrown in for good measure. Now, after three years away from the spotlight, the husband and wife team of Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas (and their crew) will unleash Are The Roaring Night, which is sure to be another ethereal kick in the teeth.
Recorded at Lasek’s Breakglass Studio on a vintage 1968 Neve germanium mixing console, Are The Roaring Night is sure to further push the envelope of the group’s eerie and epic sound. It will be released on Jagjaguwar March 9 U.S., and March 8 in the U.K. For a taste of their previous effort, check out the excellent track “And You Lied to Me” (MP3). Are The Roaring Night‘s track list is after the jump. Continue reading →
Since 2007, existential folksters Balmorhea have released three critically praised albums and an EP, so they’ve been around the block a few (or four) times. Their signature combination of classical elements and American folk strips the listener naked and bathes him in atmosphere, exposing him to the emotional elements of life. Their music is both patient and sprawling, meditative and mysterious, and it speaks to the world we live in (and beyond).
