What does it sound like?:
I recently saw this band live supporting Chuck Prophet and they were quite superb not just as a warm up act but in their own right. A five piece led by Felix Bechtolsheimer who was once the leader of Hey Negrita. They offer a pleasing gumbo of Americana leaning towards Psychedelia.Flashes of slide guitar and occasional accordion adding to a melancholic sound in places but there are four singers in the band and the harmonies make these songs stand out. One particular highlight is London Rain which recalls Doors – elsewhere there are Byrds influences and closer to home The The and even James. For a first album this is very impressive and bodes well for a strong future. During the live gig they prefaced one song with a comment that it had been chosen as the opening music for a US tv series and as a consequence had kept them in diesel and hotel costs. If it worked for Alabama 3 with Woke up this Morning then maybe it is their lucky break. Another song All I got is an absolute belter – brilliant plaintive vocals over an electric piano. Superb stuff that will resonate with many on here.
What does it all *mean*?
Its rare that I champion a new British band – I am happy to make an exception here because these are very good and this a great debut.
Goes well with…
Contemplation but strangely it is uplifting too – they have lots of hooks thats for sure.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
A good sing along on the anthemic songs like Welcome Home, Five Miles and London Rain. Other songs are more thought provoking but throughout there is a sense that this is the start of a successful career for this band if they can get the right exposure.
Thanks for this info. I’m seeing Chuck in Edinburgh in November & will make sure to get there early. (I’ve checked & they’re listed as the support).
I enjoyed their set opening for Chuck at The Sage Summertyne Festival. There is some back story there as a quick Google shows. Felix appears to have conquered a 5 year habit, and the lady bass-player suffered a blow earlier this year when her partner, who was guitarist and MD for Adam Ant, died suddenly amid US tour. I liked pretty much everything about them, but especially the way their lead guitarist was so restrained; every now and again he’d burst into a solo, but never for very long. They were helped by an excellent sound mix. When I purchased their CD they told me they were turning professional in September. Good luck to them
I saw the band with Steve in Birmingham and they were superb. I didn’t realise that Felix was once leader of Hey Negrita, I bloody love(d) that band. It all clicks into place now, how the music sounded, the similarities, I’m feckin’ made up that Felix is still making music!
I’ve ordered their LP & EP direct from the band, I’m looking forward to a even more!
‘to it’
Saw them supporting the might Chuck Prophet at the Leadmill in Sheffield recently. Agree with all of the above. Seeing a great support act brings out the Steve Lamacq in us all, no?
Mighty*
My copy arrived this morning, and I have to say it’s really, really good.
Lovely warm sound they’ve achieved with the recording, great songs that invite repeat listening, and you can hear everything that’s going on, which I love. So good work Chuck for giving them the support slot, and good work Steve for taking the time to alert the Afterword caucus to the album’s existence.
You’re welcome Vulpes – your comment that the songs invite repeat is spot on. With the volume of new purchases every month it is rare for one album to take up as much of my listening time as this one did. It is quite addictive.
‘Curse of Lono’ also a great book by Hunter S Thompson, and a good chance for the origin of their name. It’s what did for Captain Cook you know…