Posted in Folk/Acoustic

Watch: The Front Bottoms – “Mountain”

The Front Bottoms
The Front Bottoms, acoustic punk band from New Jersey have released a video for their track Mountain from their 2011 self titled album. Known for frontman Brian Sella’s relatable lyrics, The Front Bottoms have recently finished recording their sophomore album and now fans are eagerly anticipating a release date.

Here is what Matt Uychich, drummer of the band had to say about the video. “We had picked up a bunch of fireworks on tour and when we got home we had a few days off. So, we called up our good friend Mark Jaworski and asked him if he wanted to bring his camera along, drink Four Loko and light them off. This is what happened.”

You can purchase their self titled album digitally from iTunes, or purchase a 12″ vinyl version of it from Bar/None Records. For more information about the band check out their Facebook page.

Tour Dates:

Feb 19 @ The Sinclair Cambridge, MA

Feb 20 @ Bowery Ballroom New York, NY

Feb 21 @ World Cafe Live Philadelphia, PA

Feb 22 @ The Recher Theatre Towson, MD

Feb 23 @ Local 506 Chapel Hill, NC

Feb 24 @ New Brookland Tavern West Columbia, SC

 

Marcus Foster’s Discography So Far

Marcus Foster
Marcus Foster, British singer-songwriter from southwest London has a sound that is often compared to Bob Dylan, Otis Reading, and St. Vincent. It contains a folk aesthetic with a blues twist, as he is often accompanied by brass horns. Though starting under the radar by moonlighting as a singer around London, in 2008 he saw his name gain popularity around the United States after contributing his song I Was Broken to the first Twilight soundtrack.

By 2010, the demand for Marcus Foster started to grow with in the US, which led to musical appearances on the Jimmy Fallon Show, as well as tours around the country. In the following year, Foster finally released his debut album, Nameless Path which contains “timeless quality which was once appreciated”. Furthermore his second EP The Last House was released in late 2012, and contains some of most diverse work to date. So if you are looking for some calming folk/blues tunes that contain sounds rarely heard in today’s music, Marcus Foster is the man you are looking for.

His music is available on iTunes, as well as his website. Furthermore, Foster will be touring around the United States during March and April, whilst completing his second album, tour dates can be found on his Facebook page.

Listen: Mark Martyre – “Down, Record”

Mark Martyre
Mark Martyre, Canadian singer-songwriter, late last year unveiled the album Down, Record. This release sounds as if Bruce Springsteen with his raspy vocals decided to put out a solo acoustic album, modelling the guitar and harmonica stylings of Neil Young. It is gratifying to see modern artists continuing to produce exceptional folk albums. In Martyre’s words about his release, “I’ve always paid attention to the lyrics in the songs I listen to. It’s always been an important part to me. I tried to keep the music simple, and give the lyrics, and the listener room to breathe.” Down, Record is available to purchase on his Bandcamp page and stream below. More information about Mark Martyre can be found on his website and Facebook page.

Review: Ben Howard – “The Burgh Island EP”

The Burgh Island EP

 

Released: October 31, 2012
Label: Island Records
Purchase: iTunes | Amazon

After his sensational debut album Every Kingdom, Ben Howard’s newest release The Burgh Island EP has not disappointed. Though fans have come accustomed to the smooth, acoustic, folk songs experienced in the album, The Burgh Island EP demonstrates a darker side to his songs, highlighted by the use of the electric guitar rather than his usual acoustic self. Yet the gritty, and albeit, gloomy sounds does not take away from the emotion and soul that is put into the lyrics and songs themselves. The songs were all inspired by his memories from surfing the beaches of Burgh Island, which leads to question, why create a darker tone for the songs?

Though fans and listeners would agree that the sound of this EP is completely different, it does not mean it’s a bad change. The opening track “Esmerelda” begins with eerie sounds, which grow more powerful as the song progresses through the beats, perfectly complemented by the rasp in his voice. The second track “Oats In The Water” on the other hand uses the electric guitar differently by creating a more bluesy electric sound, thus producing a more calming and memorable vocal melody. My personal favorite track of this album is the final one appropriately titled “Burgh Island”. This track most resembles the style of songs portrayed in the  album Every Kingdom. Much like Ben Howard’s popular track, “Black Flies” it’s a mostly calm song throughout, but has a powerful punch in the middle and near the end. Though it is not as catchy, it will definitely be a favorite to those fans of Every Kingdom.

This album also excites me as it demonstrates that Ben Howard doesn’t have just one style, but illustrates that he has a variety of styles, leaving fans wondering, what will he do next? For those following Ben Howard, he will be touring in New York, New Jersey and Virginia, for a week beginning February 11th with another of my personal favorite bands Mumford and Sons.

8.0

Standout Tracks: “Esmerelda” “Burgh Island”

Track listing:
1. Esmerelda
2. Oats in the Water
3. To Be Alone
4. Burgh Island (feat. Monica Heldel)

Listen: Wil Wagner – “Laika”

Wil Wagner
Pre-orders for Wil Wagner’s upcoming solo release Laika are now available from Poison City Records. Two out of the eight new tracks are available to listen on Poison City’s bandcamp page, including How They Made Us and the much anticipated Laika. The album was recorded in Tasmania in December of last year with producer and fellow Poison City artist Lincoln LeFevre.

After being blown away by Wagner’s lyrics and sound on The Smith Street Band’s latest album Sunshine & Technology, I am excited to hear this collection of new acoustic solo songs. You can order the 12″ vinyl and CD from the Poison City Records Store and listen to two of the tracks below.