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This Frontier Needs Heroes’ sophomore release The Future (released May 10th) is my first exposure to the Brooklyn neo-folk duo and this new disc is a striking and mournful walk down the lonely backroads of Americana. This new disc follows the band’s 2009 self-titled debut and, this time around, the band decided to leave the studio for a more intimate approach and recorded in an old school house in Wassaic, NY, with engineer Justin Pizzoferrato (MV & EE, Dinosaur Jr., Thurston Moore). While I’ve never paid much attention to CD art, The Future’s 3D cover art and accompanying 3D glasses were immediately eye-catching.
This Frontier Needs Heroes is comprised of brother-sister Brad and Jessica Lauretti and the duo wrap textured vocal harmonies with a minimalist guitar work and various hazy electronica to create a mood around their rich narrative lyrics. Brad Lauretti sings lead vocals with a road-weary “Johnny Cash” style delivery and Jessica’s backing vocals, which span a wide range, help set the mood of each of the songs. Her vocals touch on a number of genres that range from ethereal backing vocals on “Space Baby” to co-lead vocals on the traditional alt-country “Don't You Treat Me Like A Dog”. As strange as it may sound, parts of this disc are almost akin to Neil Young crossed with one of the atmospheric 4AD bands.
The lyrics range from somewhat cynical tales of love and loss to absurdist ramblings as Brad spins stories about the Old West, Ernest Hemmingway and past relationships. Musically, the band extends their core neo-folk sound with tracks that range from the shimmering 4AD-sounding “Space Baby” to the blissful 60’s pop of "Key West" to the fuzzed psychedelia of "No Need to Sleep".
This Frontier Needs Heroes have an upcoming show at The Rock Shop on Friday, May 27th. Tickets are $10 and The Donkeys and Snowmine are also on the bill.
This Frontier Needs Heroes Tour Dates:
May 27 -- The Rock Shop, Brooklyn, NY
May 29 -- Club Passim Campfire Festival, Boston / Cambridge, MA
Sep 01 -- Brixton Windmill, London, UK
Sep 01 -- End of the Road Festival, Dorset, UK
Links:
This Frontier Needs Heroes
DOWNLOAD: The Belle Brigade - "Sweet Louise" (click through and enter email address)
Los Angeles buzz band The Belle Brigade is making the NYC debut with a show at the Rock Shop on March 8th.
Here is what KCRW said are the reasons behind the buzz:
1) their maternal grandfather is Oscar- and Grammy-winning film composer John Williams (Star Wars, Jaws, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark)
2) Barbara is an in-demand drummer on the LA music scene. She honed her skills at both Oberlin College and Cal Arts before dropping out to hit the road with The Bird and The Bee’s Inara George, followed by tours with Benji Hughes and Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis.
3) The songs are so catchy, you’ll find yourself singing them for days! A perfect example is “Sweet Louise”. (Download link is above)
At the Rock Shop, The Belle Brigade are playing with Sneaky Legend (ex-Salt & Samovar) and Noah of Sam Champion and tickets are $8.00.
Links:
The Belle Brigade
DOWNLOAD: Voxhaul Broadcast - Luxury Wafers Session, Live @ Chessvolt Studios
DOWNLOAD: Voxhaul Broadcast - "Leaving on the 5th"
Currently rotating nine songs on US & UK radio, Voxhaul Broadcast are touring all summer to build steam for the release of their appropriately titled upcoming debut full-length Timing Is Everything (out November 2). Produced by Grammy Award winning producer Tom Biller (Silver Sun Pickups, Seawolf, Liars) with additional production from Chris Thorne (Blind Melon), Timing Is Everything showcases a growth in songwriting and pristine production while still holding true to the band’s trademark blend of R&B, rock and soul.
Voxhaul Broadcast is playing coast-to-coast shows this month with stops at Fontana's on Sept. 8th and The Rock Shop on Sept. 11th. The band is going on at 8PM at Fontana's and cover is $7. (Stick around to see Oh You Devil who are playing at 10PM). The band is playing with Robbers on High Street at The Rock Shop show. Tickets are $10 and Voxhaul Broadcast is playing at 10PM.
Links:
Voxhaul Broadcast