Indie Music | The Oomph Music Blog

Take to the Oars: New Name, Same Band–Only More So

Feb 132011

Indie music fans might actually find something familiar in the sound of modern rock band Take to the Oars and their recent January 2011 release American Volume. Especially fans of Vonnegut.

Because it is Vonnegut.

In June of last year, Vonnegut officially changed its name to Take to the Oars, essentially saying that their sound and mission had evolved to the point that the old name no longer fit. Unlike Meese morphing into The Centennial, however, TttO’s name change doesn’t represent a completely new direction for the band–just growth. Kind of like outgrowing your old clothes as a kid and having to get new ones.

However you describe it, I like this record a lot. The songs on American Volume carry a raw and honest sense of melancholy, and a good diversity of sound. The record ranges from driving beats and chunky guitars (“Learning to Breathe”, “Vanishing Act”) to more reflective grooves (“Why I’m Not Where You Are”, below) without losing its continuity. There are a few moments on the recording where the arrangements feel just a bit sloppy, but considering the emotion coming through, the sloppiness is forgivable, even appropriate–like it wouldn’t really be the same vibe if they’d cleaned it up.

That said, Take to the Oars has done more than just change their name–they’ve given themselves growing room with this record. It’s the same band, only more so. The group of guys formerly known as Vonnegut have set out on the open waters, and…well…

This is my personal fave on the record. Take a listen and see what you think.

Take to the Oars: “Why I’m Not Where You Are”

Buy American Volume on 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:

Katey Laurel: Growing “From Here”

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Jan 152011

With all the music I listen to in my role as a blogger, one thing I truly enjoy is observing the growth of an artist–to see how a musician progresses from one record to the next. I love it when the new record is better than the last.

Take Denver-based singer/songwriter Katey Laurel, for instance. I haven’t reviewed her music before now on this blog, but this new record From Here isn’t the first time I’ve heard her. We first connected about a year ago, when she sent me a copy of her record Upstairs Downstairs, which at that time was already a couple of years old. The songs and the record’s production value were presentable enough, but when she mentioned she was working on some new stuff, I decided to wait to hear what she did next, and review her more current material.

The amount of artistic growth reflected in this new record, compared to the previous one, is nothing short of remarkable. If these two records were pencil marks on the wall, Katey Laurel just grew a foot. The songwriting has taken a quantum leap forward, with well-crafted lyrics and solid melody lines. The arrangements are current. The production value is excellent. But all that is not even the best part.

Katey Laurel has one of those unmistakable voices that is instantly recognized–a huge plus for any artist, but it can be a double-edged sword, because like a diamond, it really has to be placed in the right setting in order for it to shine. For me, the most satisfying element of this record is that each of the eight songs on it is an excellent setting for her voice. Katey’s producer did a fantastic job of making sure her greatest qualities as an artist–both as a vocalist and as a songwriter–have been placed front and center. The result is a set of songs that could easily be pitched for radio airplay.

The songs on From Here are pretty solidly in the AAA market–mainly love songs with a hint of country and even an occasional splash of jazz–so don’t go looking for anything wildly experimental, because that’s not the record’s intent, anyhow. But in my humble opinion, this record marks a personal artistic breakthrough for the artist. Katey Laurel has taken it to the next level.

Katey Laurel: “Begin Again”

Buy From Here 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

bands 1 Response »

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”

Rachel James New EP “Landing” November 20

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Nov 162010

Here’s yet another Denver indie artist who is making waves (see my blog tagline above). Rachel James and her band Brighton Boulevard have been spreading their brand of pop-rock around Denver for awhile now. But those who are familiar with Rachel James’ past musical efforts will find a different tone on the new EP Landing, which officially drops this weekend.

With this set of songs, James takes a more reflective turn than on her previous releases–less driving rock, and more relaxed. After seeing her perform several times with her band around town, my personal take on it is that these new songs really sit better with the band’s current overall vibe right now–kind of like things are fitting into place. I look forward to hearing these songs played live.

If you’re in the Denver area this weekend and you like what you hear below, you’ll have the chance to catch Rachel James and Brighton Boulevard for the official CD release party. They’re playing at the Soiled Dove Underground this Saturday, November 20, the official day that Landing, um, lands. Show starts at 9:00 PM.

Rachel James: “We All”

The Congress: Americana of Another Shade

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Nov 012010

Typically, when a band labels themselves “Americana”, there is a certain amount of expectation as to what it’s going to sound like. So when Denver-based “Americana” band The Congress sent me their self-titled EP for review, I got a bit of a surprise. T’weren’t at all what I expected.

Don’t get me wrong. This is Americana; they haven’t mis-labeled themselves. It’s just that sometimes we forget that our roots aren’t just folky; there’s a bit of fried chicken and soul mixed in there, too. This is the part of America that The Congress captures–the blues/jazz/rock part–and the result is that mmmm-hmmm satisfying kind of music, like soul food (blue-eyed soul, to be exact)–or like a really good back scratch.

This band is relatively new, but it’s apparent these guys aren’t novices. This record has a foundation of rock-solid musicianship and equally-solid songwriting, overlaid by near-flawless vocals. This is an indie band that isn’t striving to be edgy–just really good. And they are.

The only potential downfall I found with the record isn’t with the quality itself. There’s a smooth Hammond B3 throughout the record that really helps define the record’s sound; the only problem is, there is no organ player in the band. That part was added by co-producer Daniel Clarke, who isn’t part of the band. Thus, while this is definitely a solid recording, one has to wonder whether it is true to the band’s actual sound. Of course, seeing them play live (which I plan to do) could settle all those questions; just saying.

Anyhow, check out The Congress and see what you think.

The Congress: “Queen Mary”

If you like this band, buy their EP on iTunes.

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:

What Does “Locals on Shuffle” Mean?

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Oct 082010

In case you’re new to this here blog (or to my other blog, The Developing Aritist)…you might be wondering about the occasional “LOCALS ON SHUFFLE” updates that appear in my Twitter feed on the sidebar.

Simply put, I’m a fan of local music. When I get hold of a recording made by a band or artist from Denver or the surrounding area, I typically like to put it on my ipod. Most of the time when I get the chance to listen to my ipod, it’s on shuffle–so when a local act comes up on my shuffle, I tweet about it. And because all my stuff is linked together, those tweets show up on Twitter, on both blogs, and on my Facebook. So basically, if you’re a local band or artist, and I get some of your music on my ipod, you get some free shout-outs across my local network. Not bad, huh?

By the way, the same holds true if you’re an indie artist from somewhere besides Denver. If I put your stuff on my ipod and it comes up on shuffle, I send out a similar Tweet: “INDIES ON MY IPOD”.

Of course, the way to get on this highly-coveted ipod shuffle rotation is to make sure I have your music. It’s at my discretion–after all, it IS my ipod–but as I said, I’m a fan, so most of what I get eventually shows up on the shuffle. Instructions for music submissions, either by download link or by mail, can be found by clicking here or using the “Submissions” tab above.

Denver Local: Meet Laura Brehm

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Oct 052010

Singer/songwriter Laura Brehm. (Photo: Parker Rice)

For a young singer/songwriter barely 20 years old, Denver local artist Laura Brehm is already somewhat of a veteran in the indie music field. With two full-length recordings already to her credit, Brehm has been playing the Denver local music scene for nearly four years now. Growing up in a musical family, she says she knew by age six that she wanted to be a musician, but didn’t really “go public” until age 16 when some friends encouraged her to record some songs she’d written. Her latest CD, Dreams, came out this summer.

Besides playing at this summer’s Underground Music Showcase, a personal high point for Brehm came when she landed the opening slot for the Heart concert at Denver’s Paramount Theater in August. “I’m not exactly sure how that happened, but I’m glad it did,” says Brehm, smiling.

Her booking agent tells her that he was approached with a request from Heart for an acoustic opening set by a local songwriter, and that Heart personally selected Brehm out of a number of artists whose demos the booking agent sent them. Although Brehm’s acoustic pop style is dramatically different from Heart, she grabbed the attention of the crowd with the first song and quickly won them over.

With Brehm’s permission, I’ve included a couple of the songs from her latest release below. Both her albums are available on iTunes. See what you think.

Laura Brehm: “Fall In Love”

Laura Brehm: “The Sunrise”

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