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What’s the Deal: It’s impossible to hear a band name like this one from this Austin sextet and not be curious enough to give it a listen. If you do, you’ll find an alt. country group making the most of pedal steel, acoustic guitar and a singer with a unique and brawny voice. The group may have a classic country sound found in between the twang and Great Depression subject matter, but they also throw some Smiths covers into their lineup once and a while right alongside the Townes Van Zandt. They played this year’s Big State Festival with country big-wigs like the Drive-by Truckers, Lyle Lovett and Tim McGraw. Members of Mice and Rifles also make up other Austin groups like Maneja Beto and Just Guns.

“Carefree Americans,” one of the singles off their upcoming EP Beginner’s Luck, is a steady rock track wrapped up in steel guitar whines. Kevin Brinkkoeter sings “John Wayne will never make a movie again” with his distinctive deep voice that coincidentally sounds a little like the Duke.

Something Interesting: They are having a CD release party for Beginner’s Luck at Stubb’s on December 14th.

Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Balance”

Mice and Rifles Official
Mice And Rifles MySpace

Image from MySpace

What’s the Deal: It’s a layered, tender folk sound built on the indomitable songwriting of Max Avery Lichtenstein, a musician who’s also known for his work as a composer for independent films like Jesus’ Son and The King. Camphor – a name taken from the waxy solid with a strong odor used in cooking, embalming fluid, religious ceremonies, moth repellent and fireworks – will release their debut album, Drawn to Dust, in February of ‘08. Lichtenstein has compiled a cast of impressive core members – Gretta Cohn, D. James Goodwin, Ryan Smith and Kevin Thaxton – from groups like Bright Eyes, New London Fire, The Silent League and others. Occasional collaborators from Beirut and Mercury Rev also lend a hand on the project to help put that extra shine on the thick arrangements of strings, woodwinds, harp and mellotron.

One of the tracks on the upcoming album that’s an imperative listen is “Confidences Shattered.” It’s got an undeniable, downtrodden and infectious Americana feel to it with strings being strummed, a little whistling and an doleful voice singing, “And you leave us broke and scattered/ out of breath and battered/ confidences shattered.” “The Sweetest Tooth” also leans a little toward the gloomy side of the street, but with a sweet sincerity. It begins with some soft organ and deep bass and piano slowly trudging along with the vocals drenched in feeling, and ends with a multitude of other instruments chiming in and Lichtenstein singing “Give me something for the pain.”

Something Interesting: The songs on Drawn to Dust were written while Lichtenstein was studying the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi which focuses on finding beauty in the imperfect, and it’s impact is clear in the songs.

Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Beauty in Ruins”

Camphor OfficialCamphor MySpace