May 14, 2008
Le Diamant Brut: This is Ivy League & Band of Heathens
What’s the Deal: They have been a secret building in Austin for a short time now, but it’s getting to the point where the blockages are about to break as these Americana Austin, Texas boys gear up for the release of their brand new studio effort out this month. This collaboration-turned-band made up mostly of songwriters – Colin Brooks, Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist, Seth Whitney and John Chipman – has so skillfully utilized instruments like the dobro, lap steel and harmonica to create soulful, bluesy and rocky country-mingled tunes.
With three different guys taking the title of singer/songwriter in this project, it can be difficult to tell who’s leading which. But, spend a little time with them and the different styles become easy to pick out. One of the most memorable songs from the Heathens “Heart On My Sleeve” is a dusty, ramblin’ and untamed twang rock tune about a girl.
Something Interesting: Not only did they win Best New Band for 2007's Austin Music Awards, but the band also ranked high in the categories of Band of the Year and Album of the Year, to name a few.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Ain’t No More Cane” and “Rehab Facility”
Band of Heathens Official
Band of Heathens MySpace
What’s the Deal: No, we’re not talking about Vampire Weekend. This is Ivy League’s sound is a little older, and they’re a tad less baby-faced. The Brooklyn band – Alex Suarez and Ryland Blackinton – is an organic pairing of folky pop music that builds upon sentimental serenades straight out of the sixties and dredges up memories of Simon and Garfunkel. Soothing autumnal melodies breeze along with singing strings and a spot of keys and horn. Their music sounds completely natural, like their super-sweet choruses are just what comes out when the two are just trotting along in the park, and the lyrics are a touch on the playful side.
“The Richest Kids” off their self-titled debut is one of the more impressive tracks. It starts out with “out in the country where the air is fine we spent our last five dollars on a bottle of wine” with them singing slightly on top of one another. The harmonies are thick as the strings ring like bells while the two of them sit in the park on an October afternoon.
Something Interesting: Like a duo that was meant to be in cahoots, they were split up from music and each other by years and miles until they realized they lived mere minutes from one another and were both still in music. And so it was written...
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “A Summer Chill” and “Love Is Impossible”
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