are an instrumental band from Austin, TX. that I feel the overwhelming need to report on. I first heard them 6 or so months ago on the PBS show Austin City Limits. On first listen, I thought they were right up my alley. They play songs that are slow to build and often evolve into large epic pieces, layering melodies against passionate sonic chaos. (readers note: the words "sonic chaos" were note mine, I stole them).
On second listen, I found them on the highly worthy NPR podcast, All Songs Considered. The live concert from the 9:30 club in Washington D.C. was just what I needed that Saturday morning at 3:30am to occupy my mind.
A few minutes into the show, I started to question my admiration for the band. My interest was definitely peaked, but the reason behind this new found curiosity was simply: do I like this sound? Then I started to question their sound. Then I started to question the idiots in the crowd who were screaming in between every song. I was telling myself at any second someone was going to shout "Freebird". I know, I know I'm a snob, get over it. Shut up and let the music effect you. You have to give a little of yourself for that to happen. Concerts and Shows are a mutual experience.
O.K., stepping off the proverbial soapbox now.
Back to the sound. Now keep in mind it's now around 4 a.m. So that variable may need to be taken into consideration here, but I'm thinking about this sound, is this a likable sound? Do they really even want to make a "likable" sound? Probably not, when 10 minutes sprawling epics are the norm, I can't imagine much of a chance for commercial success. (I swear this all makes such perfect sense in my mind.) I finally decided that I suppose I do "like" the band, but that I'm more interested in their sound, what they're trying to create, and the idea of them, than the idea of just checking yes, or no.
Check them out, they're interesting
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