August 15, 2007
Austinist Previews Austin City Limits: Ian Ball and the Little Ones
Ian Ball has a voice that calls to mind a more chipper Jeff Mangum. The veteran musician, best known for his work with Gomezn, tends towards the rich orchestration of Leonard Cohen's lushest work. Ball's solo work sound may owe a debt to the college radio all stars that came before, but the impulse towards low-fi is muted if at all present.
Ian Ball
United States*
Latest Release: How We Operate (with Gomez), 2006
Sunday the 16th, 2:50 p.m., Austin Ventures Stage
*Seriously. That's what it says on his MySpace. And we all know MySpace knows all.
The Little Ones put out hip shaking pop-folk psychedelica marked by strong bass lines and dense vocal harmonies. The music sounds like a present-day indie rock interpretation of summer in the late '60s, but without the, you know, police brutality and race riots and all that. We don't know about you, but we prefer precious percussion to oppression, anyhow.
The Little Ones
Los Angeles, CA
Latest Release: Sing Song, 2006
Sunday the 16th, 11:45 a.m., Dell stage
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Having only seen Ian in (very) small venues, I'm curious to know how he translates to a larger venue. He's never alone either; you can always expect a few members of Gomez to tag along and see/play backup.
ian isn't going to be completely alone but i wouldn't hold my breathe that any other members of gomez will show up.
hey austinist, gomez doesn't have an "n" at the end.