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What’s the Deal: This Boston-based group lead by multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Brian Carpenter has undergone several lineup shifts and some directional changes since their formation in 2002. They began as an improv instrumental group frequently using a circus music vibe as a jumping off point with instruments like sax, accordion, banjo, musical saw, and others. That was during the Ringleaders Revolt recordings. For the release of their second album, Dreamland, Beat Circus moved toward a narrative music style and centered this concept album around historical events in turn-of-the-century New York and Coney Island. Now, their latest is set to be released in September. Boy From Black Mountain is “a collection of very personal songs about children, fatherhood, dreams, lost love, lust, revenge and redemption,” according to Carpenter. The music, which he says is inspired by his son, true stories from his family in the South, and Southern Gothic literature, mixes the sounds of bluegrass, Appalachian strings and a touch of southern gospel into a pot with a stygian, circus orchestra vibe.
“The Life You Save May Be Your Own” off the upcoming is a rambling Southern Gothic tune with a deep belly that rumbles and quakes. An upright bass, harmonica, violin, a deep horn, drums played by Karate’s old beat man and a spirited chorus work to make this song worth the short wait. “Gyp the Blood” helps give Dreamland a spooky, spectral vibe with its strings, horn bursts, banjo and clicks and plinkering from random percussive instruments. It would be a perfect fit in a Tim Burton film.
Something Interesting: Dreamland and Boy From Black Mountain are the first two installments of the Beat Circus’ Weird American Gothic trilogy.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “The Ghost of Emma Jean” and “Boy From Black Mountain”
Beat Circus [Official]
Beat Circus [MySpace]
What’s the Deal: They’re an Austin-based electro-pop group with a strong appreciation for classic video games. The video for “Underneath” is one of the coolest and most authentic displays of ancient gamer geekery. It’s hard to watch the guys fly around in personal space pods fighting their way to the level boss to save a princess and not feel like you need to take a trip to your local arcade. The band - Matt, Brandon, JP and Ben - released their latest effort, MEGA, earlier this year, which is a catchy, keyboard-heavy bounce-about full of charming indie pop.
“All the Weird Kids Know” is ripe and wiggling with blinking and harmonious keys, overlapping vocals, and a hand-clap beat. “Something in 3D” is another song that’s hard to ignore on a sunny afternoon with its bright and hooky bursts of energy fueled by caffeine and Space Invaders.
Something Interesting: Here’s an interview at an Austin arcade with the band on Roxwel.com. They’re playing a show with The Black and White Years, White White Lights and Bad Veins presented by the A.V. Club at Emo’s on August 28th.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Invaders”
Built By Snow [Official]
Built By Snow [MySpace]
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Yeah! I love Built By Snow. I filmed them recently. Check out this video...
Built By Snow video