bands | The Oomph Music Blog

The Sound of Civil Wars

Mar 312011

This band is already getting plenty of attention, but I just have to put in my two cents’: acoustic folk duo The Civil Wars is one of the best I’ve heard in quite some time. More than just the raw, minimal instrumentation and catchy melodies, these voices just go together. John Paul White and Joy Williams have stumbled on a combination and chemistry that is more than just talent (which both have in spades, btw). It’s a sound that exceeds the sum of its parts.

It’s almost ironic that their name is The Civil Wars, because they go so well together. And yet, you can hear a subtle tension and struggle within the music itself. Perhaps that’s what the name refers to.

Here’s the video from the title track of their record, Barton Hollow. Take a look/listen and discover why this new duo is already selling out shows all over the place. If you like what you hear, at the present time you can get a free download of the song from the band’s website.

The Backyard Committee: A Hodge-Podge that Actually Works

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Mar 142011

When Mike Sembos of Connecticut indie-rock band The Alternate Routes contacted me to let me know about his Other Band, The Backyard Committee, I have to admit I was a little wary. Here’s why:

“…part of the concept is a constantly rotating cast of musician friends, each who brings their unique voice to the project.” (quote from Mike Sembos)

When I see phrases like “constantly rotating cast,” I get the picture of a loose-knit collective of musician friends who are just getting together to jam–which is cool, and lots of fun, but usually doesn’t add up to making good records because as a general rule, there usually isn’t enough structure in it to make it work.

Meet the exception to the rule. This is a hodge-podge collective that actually works.

Yeah it’s a little sloppy in parts, but nothing like I would have expected. Yeah, it skates across a few genres (a fact which Sembo admits), but overall it stays close enough to the folk-Americana category that it doesn’t lose its audience. The end result is a sort of jam-session garage band you’d actually want to sit and listen to–like somewhere in Connecticut is this bunch of musician neighbors that get together for a barbecue or something, and actually sound really, really good.

And here’s the best part: you can download the whole album, right now–and forevermore–and you don’t have to pay for it. Says Sembo, “…[another] part of the band concept is that it doesn’t cost anything for anyone to own our music.”

So I’ve shared a couple of the tracks below to give you an idea about The Backyard Committee, but you can go to the band’s Bandcamp site and download the whole dang thing right now, for free. IMHO, it’s worth owning. And if The Backyard Committee ever decided to charge for the record, it would still be worth owning.

Alls I’ve got to say about it is if this is a backyard committee, this is a neighborhood I’d like to live in.

The Backyard Committee: “Red China”

The Backyard Committee: “25”

Or download the whole dang thing for free here.

See Green: How Catchy California Indie-pop Made Me Think Twice

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Jan 302011

I’ve gotten a few emails in the past few months by Courtney Green, the frontwoman for California indie-pop band See Green, about reviewing the band; but to tell the truth, it was a busy time, and without my having a lot of direct connection to California indie acts, See Green got sort of lost in the shuffle.

My bad. I should have been paying attention.

Although I never got around to covering See Green, their tune “Think Twice” made its way onto my ipod. And I’ve noticed that every time that song comes up on shuffle, it makes me stop and listen. It’s just got a really catchy sound. This morning, the song came up again–and finally, this Los Angeles-based band got my attention.

My apologies, Courtney and crew; better late than never.

That said, this tune is definitely worth a listen, as is the band’s latest effort Violet. See Green has this danceable alt-indie-pop vibe that has a modern feel while drawing from several retro elements. I hear a little bit of Brit-synth-pop, a little bit of California surf–just a great vibe overall. Really draws me in.

On a side note…maybe I’m late to the proverbial party here, but See Green isn’t the first California indie-pop act to reach out, and I’m noticing a consistent sound with them–perhaps an emergence of a specific new California sound. I first noticed it with San Francisco’s Music For Animals. Maybe someone already has named this new California sound, but just for kicks, I’m going to name it “Cali-pop” and see if anyone picks it up.

Take a listen to See Green’s “Think Twice”, then watch the video. See what you think.

See Green: “Think Twice”

Buy Violet from iTunes:

The Raven and The Writing Desk: Musical Literature

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Jan 282011

Sometimes what you name something is important.

The Raven and The Writing Desk. When I first read the name of this haunting indie-pop band, my attention was immediately arrested. Instantly my brain created associations with Edgar Allen Poe, C.S. Lewis, and that old video game Myst. What an interesting name; it suggests what you’re about to hear would be best listened to while sitting in an old wood-paneled library, smoking a pipe.

Turns out the name fits the band’s sound quite well. Their record Recidivist is described on the band’s MySpace page described as a concept album in which the songs “center around tragic characters who have fallen victim to their cyclical existences.” (The word “recidivist” refers to a criminal who continues to repeat the offense, so the title fits, as well.) I heard the record before reading the description, and that vibe was very easy to pick up. It isn’t just that the songs tell a story; the sound tells the story. An interesting blend of the familiar and the experimental, this is piano-driven indie-pop overlaid with haunting violin and guitar, providing an almost theatrical backdrop for frontwoman Julia LiBissi’s emotional, expressive vocals.

I don’t think I’ve ever used the term “literary” to describe a band’s sound, but to me there’s no better word to describe The Raven and The Writing Desk. When I listen to them, it sounds like musical literature. The music is an experience in itself, taking you into another time and place. Not bad for a band who is barely a year old.

I’ve put up the first track here, but being a concept record, Recidivist is best listened to in full. So if you like the opening act, go to iTunes and pick up the record.

The Raven and The Writing Desk: “Somnambulist”

Buy Recidivist on iTunes:

Churchill to Release Full-Length “Happy/Sad” Feb. 11

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Jan 062011

I gotta tell ya–I haven’t been this excited about an upcoming release in quite some time.

I’ve had a few good things to say about Churchill over the past year or so, and it’s no secret that I’m a fan–and judging from the turnout at their shows, it’s clear I’m not the only one. Since they began playing together just under two years ago, armed with only an EP in a slipcover and a lot of heart, Churchill has turned a lot of heads with their distinct sound, winning lots of fans along the way.

Truth be told, the fans are a huge reason why the band’s first full-length album Happy/Sad is finally set for release on Feb. 11. The record has been funded almost entirely by Churchill’s fan base, thanks to crowdfunding site Kickstarter.

This is a record nearly a year in the making. When I had the privilege of interviewing the band for Examiner.com last spring, they played me a couple of demos they’d thrown down for the record. I’ve literally been on pins and needles waiting for this thing to come out ever since. Okay…maybe not literally on pins and needles. But you get the idea.

I’m a veteran/skeptic, and it takes a lot to impress me. In my opinion, Churchill has stumbled on more than a sound. There’s a chemistry here the likes of which I haven’t seen/heard in some time. Whatever that intangible X-factor is…they have it. Churchill has…the OOMPH.

The first single from the upcoming record, “Miles”, is now up for sale on iTunes. Take a listen to the song below, and if you like it, go get the single. Gauging from this first song, the rest of the album will be worth the wait.

Churchill – Miles by wirebird
Buy “Miles” on iTunes:

Oh, Starling’s “Noel”: Indie Christmas

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Dec 082010

I swear this blog is not becoming exclusively about Denver music. It’s just that the past few weeks have been a flurry of activity and new releases around here.

Oh, Starling doesn’t seem to be a constant entity; it comes around once year, during the holidays. Actually, Oh, Starling consists of indie artists Dan Craig (whose record was recently reviewed here) and Jessica Sonner, who happens to be married to Dan. Last year, they recorded an EP of re-worked Christmas music called Joy, under their special holiday moniker. This year, they have released a follow-up holiday EP, Noel.

Far too many times, artists go over the top in re-arranging the holiday classics, to the point that they come off as cheesy or self-indulgent. By contrast–I took a listen to the track below, “Hark”, which Oh, Starling is offering as a free download from their website for a limited time. It took my breath away. A completely different rendition, tasteful, passionate, and real. One of the best modern re-workings I’ve heard, and by indie artists to boot.

If you’re in Denver this upcoming weekend (December 10), you can catch Oh, Starling performing at a special free concert at The Meadowlark Bar. The show starts at 9:00.

Oh, Starling: “Hark”

The Centennial: Uncharted Waters

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Dec 012010

As recent as last year, Denver pop/rock band Meese had a recording contract with a major label, had a nationwide release, was touring heavily with bands like Paramore and Switchfoot, and was widely expected to parallel the national success found by band pals The Fray.

Then, earlier this year, brother-founders Patrick and Nate Meese surprisingly announced they were disbanding Meese. A few months later, they debuted as an indie band at Denver’s Underground Music Showcase under a new moniker, The Centennial–and with an entirely different sound.

Talk about starting from scratch.

Last weekend, The Centennial released a DIY project, an EP titled Second Spring, which is not currently for sale. You read that right–the EP is not for sale. They are giving it away, at least for now. You can download the entire six-song recording at their website.

Gone are the melodic, pop-rock hooks, replaced by a mellower, melencholy-laden sound almost completely driven by two-part harmony (covered by Patrick and wife Tiffany). I’ve struggled to classify their sound ever since I first heard them play–words like ambient, minimalist and shoegaze come to mind, but only partly describe it. Perhaps the best term to describe it is “post rock”. An almost literal de-construction of a pop-rock sound, and an attempt to regather its various elements into something new.

The de-construction/re-construction of Meese into The Centennial was partly preceded by some circumstances outside of their control. Apparently, some serious personnel changes and internal stuff at the label coincided with the release of their record, ultimately halting their momentum and preventing the band from gaining traction. But for a band to change its entire direction, sound and identity, it takes more than just unfortunate business deals; you do that kind of thing for entirely different reasons. In various conversations with the Meese brothers over the past few months, I gather that in reality, they were bored with the pop-rock thing. It would appear that the label mishaps just gave them the excuse they needed to try something new.

The shift from Meese to The Centennial has not been a smooth musical transition–not a magic act where one band disappears and from behind the curtain a new one shows up in its place. I’ve heard The Centennial play live three times, and each time their sound has been a little different. I can hear within their music their struggle to experiment and reinvent, and I can hear it in the record as well. This is a band that has ventured into uncharted waters and is still morphing, and for all we know they may sound completely different within a year. What I find intriguing, though, is that the Meeses aren’t engaging this process privately. Through their live performances and recent recording, they are letting it happen in the public venue, allowing us into their struggle, so to speak. I don’t know if this is what they intended, but it’s exactly what I like about them right now.

The (current) sound of The Centennial might not speak to everyone, but it definitely speaks to me on a soul level. Maybe it’s because the story behind the sound speaks to me also. Maybe it’s because I’ve lived their story in a different way–maybe it’s because I know what it is to start over from scratch, and I understand the struggles behind reinvention. Whatever my personal connection to the band and their story, I like what I’m hearing, and I hope you will, too. Take a listen for yourself, and if you like what you hear, go over to The Centennial’s website and download the record.

The Centennial: “Free Man”

The Centennial: “1988”

Bern & the Brights: Swing Shift Maisies

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Oct 202010

Here’s an indie band that’s been getting a lot of attention in their part of the world–which just happens to be New Jersey. In fact, Bern & the Brights has been nominated locally for two Hoboken Music Awards, for Outstanding Band and Outstanding EP.

The EP for which they’ve been nominated, Swing Shift Maisies, was released back in July. I’ve had a chance to listen to it, and I can see to some extent what the stir is about. Bern & the Brights have a distinctive sound, with elements of roots, rock and progressive country, overlaid with lead singer Bernadette Malavarca’s eclectic vocal quality. Their sound sets them apart from the pack, and is definitely their strongest asset.

Perhaps the one weakness I found with Swing Shift Maisies is that although there are definitely catchy moments on the record, there was also some melodic “dead space”–times when their amazing sound actually didn’t seem to be going anywhere due to a bland melodic line. It wasn’t that I felt the band lacks potential–more like I felt there were places where the potential wasn’t fully reached. Bern & the Brights is definitely a promising band; what they need to take them over the top, IMHO, is simply a few more strong songs in their arsenal to carry their distinct sound.

That said, this is a band well on their way. Take a listen and see what you think.

Bern & the Brights:
Bernadette Malavarca – lead guitar/vocals/percussion
Catherine McGowan – acoustic guitar/vocals
Nicole Scorsone – violin
Shawn Fafara – bass
Jose Ulloa – drums

Bern & the Brights: “Sangria Peaches”

Buy the EP on itunes:

Her Name Is Calla (and She Grows On You)

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Sep 182010

In my view, when you can arrest someone’s attention with a slow, soft, melencholy vibe, that’s saying something. With the absolute absence of hype, bells and whistles, there has to be something deep within the music itself that grabs you in the gut, that makes you want to silence the surrounding noise in order to hear it.

That is exactly the effect the song below by Her Name is Calla had on me. It was captivating and haunting all at once. I had to stop what I was doing, in fact, and blog about it.

Her Name is Calla is a six-piece indie band from the UK, and although you may not have heard of them, they’ve been around for several years, slowly gaining a following for their deep emotional vibe that breaks with convention in favor of heart. One blogger described their sound as melancholy without being depressing. I think that description fits.

The song below, “Thief”, is from their upcoming record The Quiet Lamb, to be released November 8. As I listened to its slow, growing theme, all I could think of was what an amazing movie soundtrack it would make. It reminded me of Samuel Barber’s classic “Adagio for Strings” (think the soundtrack from Platoon). Although it doesn’t actually sound like that piece, it sort of feels like it. And that’s a good thing.

Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole song. It starts slow and grows on you. See if it doesn’t capture your attention the way it did mine.

Thief by hernameiscalla

Folk Music for Space Travel?

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Sep 152010

The cool thing about the Internet and indie music is that you’re not limited by distance as to what you can find. So here’s a spin on music you don’t see every day: a band in Germany, playing Americanized alt-folk, with a space theme.

I don’t make this stuff up, folks.

Their name is The Moonband. The name of their record is Songs We Like To Listen To While Traveling Through Space. They sing in English and play American folk. They wear space suits on their album art. (Don’t ask me where they got the space suits, but I’m guessing they didn’t come from NASA.)

Gimmicky? Perhaps. But the music isn’t. If you listen to the record without all that space stuff in your brain, it’s just normal alt-folk, kind of quiet and reflective. Whether you’re into the space theme or not, if you’re a fan of bands like bands like Iron and Wine, chance are you’ll be into this vibe.

The Moonband: “We Don’t Care”

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