Show Preview: Brackett & Co., Real Estate
J. Tillman at the Mohawk - Giveaway
What’s the Deal: The subject of today’s installment must be supergroups because here’s one more reason to like Austin music, and it starts with a name you may already know, American Analog Set. The singer/songwriter responsible is Andrew Kenny, and he’s now back in Austin after years in Brooklyn and playing shows for both AAS and The Wooden Birds. Among the other musicians involved in this lo-fi indie outfit built on soft and hearty vocals and acoustic chords are David Wingo, the composer for such David Gordon Green films as All the Real Girls and George Washington, Michael Bell of Lymbic System, Chris Michaels Leslie Sisson and Matthew Frank.
The Wooden Birds will be releasing their first album, Magnolia, on May 12th for Barsuk Records, but a few of the tracks are available for listen on their MySpace as well as Barsuk’s site. “Sugar” is the song from the album being pushed first, and it’s a sure-footed example of an outstanding song build. The songwriting shows on the track as each instrument comes in one after another, adding something distinct and completely necessary to the construction. The end result is moody but not overbearing, and it works in many settings.
Something Interesting: Kenny has been a guest artist with the Album Leaf, Her Space Holiday, Arthur & Yu, Broken Social Scene, and more. The group is also doing plenty of touring abroad over the next two months, and it doesn’t look like they’ll be back stateside until after the proposed release.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “False Alarm”
What’s the Deal: This is what happens when American folk pop, country and psychedelia collide. This Portland, Oregon group was one of the more buzzed about bands of this year’s SXSW, and it’s not surprising when you look at the caliber of musicians involved. Their roster includes the songwriters of Viva Voce as well as members of The Decemberists, Swords and The Golden Bears. They haven’t amassed a huge following yet, but it’s not for lack of talent. They didn’t play their first show until 2008, and thus far Blue Giant only has an EP out, Target Heart.
“Wasn’t Born To Follow” from Target Heart starts off with a twang, and a layered country-folk chorus follows. But then, the lines break in an unexpected turn toward the psychedelic. The vocals trail out, and waves of fuzz and guitar pings and wails pour forth. Then, as if it didn’t even happen, the song picks back up in folk song sing along fashion.
Something Interesting: Likely due in large part to the members’ other musical engagements, they haven’t done much touring outside Portland. But, they’ve had help on a live level so far with big names like Corin Tucker of Sleater Kinney and M. Ward. They’re named after a class of super-bright stars.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Lonely Girl” and “Target Heart”
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