Darden Smith’s “Marathon”: No Bull

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Sep 222010
 

Just so you know…I’m not really intending to focus all my attention on just indie-folk or Americana  country projects.  It’s just that those are the titles that have been accumulating on my submissions list. :)

Anywho…I got a listen yesterday to Darden Smith’s latest project Marathon, due to be released in the states on September 28. Actually, “project” really is a good description for it; according to Smith’s website, Marathon is also a theatrical work in progress (which totally makes sense when you listen to the record), and soon to be a book/music project, as well.  The title is appropriate, as well–although named after a town in west Texas, Smith says the concept for Marathon has been around for a decade.

What I found most striking about the record is that it sounds more old “western” than most country/Americana efforts these days.  Really.  You can almost feel the dust in your eyes, or see the tumbleweeds rolling by–or perhaps imagine a couple of gunslingers facing each other down at high noon.  Definitely a concept record, the main tracks are punctuated by several instrumental breathers.  In fact, I must say that the instrumentals are the strongest parts of the record–every time I heard one, I was disappointed when it ended.  Additionally, props are due for the instrumentation throughout the project–very professional, very well done.

So that’s the good stuff.  In my view, the album’s weakness  is found in the songwriting–in particular, bland melody lines (something that seems to plague many indie projects).  Darden Smith’s raspy voice is memorable in itself (reminds me of the late Rich Mullins, if any CCM fans are reading this).  But with the exception of the ending track “No One Gets Out of Here,” I had a hard time identifying any strong melodies.  I found myself toiling through the regular songs, waiting for the amazing interludes in between them.  Just saying.

That said, Marathon is at the least a very respectable project, the product of a great deal of work and thought. To give you a sense for the record’s thematic feel, I’d recommend listening to the sample tracks below in order.

Local Denver folk will get the chance to hear Darden Smith soon–he’ll be making a stop at Swallow Hill on October 2.

Darden Smith: “Marathon”
Darden Smith: “Sierra Diablo”

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?

 bands  4 Responses »
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”

The Starlings and Their Bright Light

 bands  1 Response »
Sep 112010
 

There seem to be two distinct camps these days for the Americana/folk genre, with very little middle ground.  There is no basic “current” form of it; if it’s modern, it’s “alt-country,” and if it’s just regular Americana, it sounds almost retro, pretty much the same as it has for decades.  And today’s country? Fuggedaboutit. Today’s country is basically rock with a twang. Not saying that’s bad or anything; just saying.

Listening to The Starlings new record Bright Light, released this past summer, I’d have to place them in the second category, the “old school” brand of Americana/folk.  Again, not saying that’s bad, because what they do, they actually do quite well.  This 14-song CD is well-produced and well-played–about as good a recording as any indie project could be without the financial backing of a major label.

At first glance, it might seem a bit unlikely that this band is playing this kind of music.  First of all, we’re not talking about the deep south or the dusty western plains; this band is from Seattle.  (However, two of the bandmates migrated there from Iowa, so that might explain things a bit.) Second, Joy Mills, the band’s main songwriter and vocalist, has a voice reminiscent of Neko Case–which, of course, suggests perhaps a leaning toward the alt-country category.  But no; this band is solid old-school Americana/folk, with a sound that is more “country” than even modern “country” has become.  And like I said–they are good at it.  Their sound conveys you to a different place, maybe even a different time when things weren’t quite so hectic.  It’s the kind of sound that makes you want to sit on the back porch with a beer and just watch the sun go down.

Of the fourteen songs on the record, two are standouts for me–and they represent the two emotional poles of the record. “Blue Dog”, sung by Tom Parker (the only male in the four-piece band), is a fun, tongue-in-cheek singalong tune, while “Aloysius” sung by Joy Mills is a haunting ballad. I’ve included both below for you to sample.

If you like their stuff and want to hear more, you can buy their record from their website, or below through iTunes.  If you live in the Denver area, you can check them out live as they come through town this weekend on tour. They’ll be joining locals The Hollyfelds at the Hi-Dive on South Broadway on Thursday, Sept. 16, starting at 9:00 PM.

The Starlings: “Blue Dog”

The Starlings: “Aloysius”

Bright

Send Us a Postcard, Elin

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Sep 012010
 

Denver indie artist Elin Palmer is a multi-instrumentalist, which is becoming a common term, especially in indie circles.  However, “multi-instrumentalist” doesn’t do justice to what kinds of instruments are being played.  Palmer, for example, plays mostly violin and nyckelharpa (a traditional Swedish instrument similar to the hurdy gurdy).  If you can name five people who play a nyckelharpa–you’re probably Swedish.

Elin Palmer, by the way, is also a native of Sweden, and loves the music of her homeland–and she has created a distinct sound on her record Postcard by weaving Swedish folk elements into her music.  I attended the CD release show last fall, and I was impressed with Elin’s talent and her music–but I didn’t get a copy of the record until just a few weeks ago.  I finally got to review the record front to back yesterday while hiking in the mountains, and the record somehow provided a great soundtrack.  It isn’t that there was any one song that just blew me away; it’s that the record itself is an experience, not just a grouping of songs. Airy, layered vocals, repetitive strings, accordians, guitars (and of course, the nyckelharpa) transported me to another place.  It’s as if the record itself is a postcard from Sweden.  It’s worth checking out.

Since releasing the record, Elin has been spending the past few months in Sweden.  Apparently, she sent us a Postcard ahead of time. :)

Postcard

What Is This Alchemy

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Aug 212010
 

Dan Craig Band

Maybe you’ve heard of Dan Craig, or maybe not.  If you are into the Denver local music scene, chances are you have.  He’s been building a following the past several years here in Denver with his indie blend of folk-rock that is reminiscent of Josh Ritter, or maybe Ryan Adams with slightly less twang.

Last night at the Bluebird Theater, Dan Craig and his Band played a show to release what is quite possibly their best studio project to date: Alchemy.

I’ve been playing my advance copy of the record for several weeks now, and have had to proverbially bite my tongue to keep from sharing a track or two with readers here until I had permission to do so.  Dan’s got a gift for both lyric and music, in my opinion, and with his gravelly voice and jangly guitar (and a solid band to back him up), the “alchemy” of this record just works for me. The whole record is strong, from the collection of songs to the instrumentation–but for me the songwriting is what puts it over the top.  Dan Craig has conclusively proven that it is possible to write alt-indie-folk songs with a clearly identifiable hook.

If you don’t know the Dan Craig Band, you really should. The alchemy of this record is too good for just one town to enjoy.

Dan Craig Band: “Alchemy”

Buy the whole album at iTunes:
Alchemy

Carbon Choir releases new EP “Cut from the Cloth”

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Aug 162010
 

I recently shared some music from Denver indie-rock band Carbon Choir’s recent full-length record High Beams.  It turns out the band thought four songs originally considered for that record would do better on their own–so this week they are releasing a new EP called Cut from the Cloth.  This record, though, is anything but a set of B-sides.  The band’s lead singer Joel Van Horne tells me that they saved these tunes purposely because of their strengths, not their weaknesses. 

Listening to the songs, I can understand what he means. This band is growing on me the more I sit with their music.  I’m not a huge fan of experimental rock in general, but I really like the emotion these guys are able to bring to their complex arrangements.  I think they’re going someplace.

With the band’s permission, I’ve posted one of the EP tracks below. If you like what you hear, check the band’s website in a few days to see how to get a copy of the EP–or, if you’re in the Denver/Boulder area, you can attend a CD release show this Friday night at the Fox Theatre in Boulder and get a copy there.  In fact, if you’re there early enough, you might get it free!  (First 100 in the door get a free copy.)

Carbon Choir: “Bird with Broken Wings”

Album Review: “Mirror the Branches” by Gabrielle Louise

 album reviews  1 Response »
Aug 122010
 

Gabrielle Louise is a best-kept-secret kind of singer/songwriter: not widely known, but when you hear her, you wonder why more people don’t know her. A young artist with an old soul, her jazz-infused folk style reveals a maturity that belies her years. Coming from a musical family, and with several DIY recordings already to her credit, she has the confidence of a seasoned pro.

Gabrielle’s latest latest effort, Mirror the Branches (due to release later this month), lives up to the standard of excellence those of us who know Gabrielle’s work have come to expect. At times light and airy, at other times low, jazzy and smoky, her vocals throughout the twelve-song collection are expressive and nearly flawless. The record covers a range of emotional ground, from the melencholy of “Desiree” to the tongue-in-cheek whimsy of “I’ll Turn Myself In Tomorrow”. Led by acoustic guitars, the instrumentation is understated, the overall tone reflective.

For me, the strongest songs are the folk-heavy tunes–and I admit a bit of bias here, as I prefer folk to jazz. The simple melody of “Strange Summer Snow” embeds itself deep in your brain (in a good way), and “Midnight Molasses” (a cover tune borrowed from Gabrielle’s partner-in-crime David Rynhart, who also contributes vocal and guitar on the record) is a deeply haunting tune that leaves me breathless each time I hear it.

Gabrielle is currently raising funds for the final printing of the CD, and for a minimum $25 contribution she will give an immediate download of the full recording, plus a hard copy of the CD when it is officially released.  You can get your exclusive download copy at Gabrielle’s website.  And for those of you in driving distance, Gabrielle Louise is having a CD release and social tango party (again, you have to know her) on Friday, August 27, 7:30 PM, at Aron Johnson’s Architectural Antiques Warehouse, 389 S. Lipan St. in Denver.

Gabrielle Louise: “Strange Summer Snow”

Underground Music Showcase Diary–Day 4

 special events  1 Response »
Jul 262010
 

Well, I suppose it was bound to happen.

I commented here on Friday about all the roots-acoustic-indie bands at the UMS, and quipped how I was surprised nobody pulled out a washboard. 

You know what’s coming, don’t you?

During Ayo Awosika’s solo set Saturday night, she announced that she and singer/songwriter Megan Burtt had started a duo called Travel By Skylark and were having their debut performance Sunday night–and among the instruments she said they’d be playing?

Yup. 

Obviously I had to go and see this spectacle.  So on this Sunday, I swapped out some of my scheduled stops at the UMS to watch the official launch of Travel By Skylark at The Irish Rover.  Sure enough, they pulled out a washboard for one of the songs.  They even dedicated the song to me.

Yeah, I went and told Megan about my snide bloggy remark.  Me and my big mouth. :)

Fun and games aside, though–Travel By Skylark’s debut performance went very well.  They won over the crowd from the first song, and the response remained enthusiastic throughout. Their sound together is folky, but not retro–even with the washboard, which Ayo played quite well, BTW. It was a great experience to see these two young women, both highly talented artists in their own right, coming together for the fun of it to play new material, just because they enjoy playing together.  Travel by Skylark gets my mark as Sunday’s highlight of the day–and not just because they dedicated the song to me.  (Believe what you want.  My vote can’t be bought with song dedications–only with cold, hard cash.)

That was a joke, too.  You’ll just have to get used to that.  Can you tell I’m a little loopy this morning?

I was moving a lot slower Sunday, so I didn’t catch as many acts as the other days. But I did manage to catch most of an informative panel discussion on indie bands and recording studios, and I also managed to stop in and see:

  • Rachel James and Brighton Boulevard (pop/rock)
  • Maudlin (indie-rock)
  • Annie Lynch (folk)
  • Josh Novak (pop/rock)

I tried to catch Hello Kavita, but apparently illness prevented the band from playing.  Their replacement was The Photo Atlas, whom I’d seen before, so I chose to move on and try to catch someone I hadn’t seen.

Before wrapping up my journal of this year’s UMS, an honorable mention also goes to Rachel James and Brighton Boulevard, who played in a small venue to a sparse crowd, but did a great job.

Looking forward to next year!

Underground Music Showcase Diary–Day 3

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Jul 252010
 

The Rouge at the UMS 2010.

Day 3 of the UMS started off with some panel discussions in a church basement. I caught the last few minutes of a discussion with three members of local bands who have had some experience with record labels. I learned more in those few minutes than any of a number of books I’ve read.

Today was just a great, not-too-hot Denver day for walking Broadway and hearing the streets filled with music. One band I saw literally had set up their gear on the sidewalk and were playing to a gathering crowd of passers-by. Quite good, actually.

Acts I caught today:

  • The Rouge–alternative rock
  • The Yes We Cans–punk
  • Angela Jane–indie rock
  • Kal Cahoone & the Dirty Pretty–acoustic alternative
  • Annie Lynch–folk
  • Varlet (with Lilly Scott)–indie
  • Megan Burtt–acoustic country/rock
  • Andrea Ball–indie
  • Ayo Awosika–jazz/soul
  • Dan Craig Band–indie rock
  • Science Partner–folk
  • Churchill–acoustic rock

So many acts, I actually have two favorite picks for today, followed by some honorable mentions:

PICK ONE:  Dan Craig Band
I first heard Dan Craig opening for John Common.  Dan was quite sick at the time, and his voice reflected it–although he was a good sport.  Tonight I could hear the band without the handicap.  Great songs, powerful sound.  Be looking  for a review of the band’s upcoming CD.

PICK TWO: Annie Lynch
I happened on Annie quite by accident. She heads a folk band from Brooklyn called Annie and the Beekeepers, but is playing solo at the UMS. The church building where I started the afternoon also happens to be one of the venues, and she was playing there. Simple, pure vocals with acoustic guitar, set in the live acoustics of the church–it was one of those moments. (Annie gave me permission to share a song from her band’s latest EP–you can find it at the end of this post.  If you are local, you can catch her at the UMS again Sunday night at 7PM at the Irish Rover on S. Broadway.)

HONORABLE MENTIONS: I can always count on Megan Burtt and Churchill to give solid performances. I was also pleased to see the way Churchill is gaining momentum as a band. Their 11PM set packed out Moe’s Bar-B-Q.  Another shout-out goes to Science Partner, just for being quirky and entertaining.

We’re still not done yet…

Annie & the Beekeepers: “Again and Again”

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