Band to Watch: Father John Misty
A deep feeling of concern immediately struck me when former Fleet Foxes drummer Josh Tillman announced that he was leaving the band. Tillman delivered his final statement as a member of Fleet Foxes in a post on his Tumblr account by saying, “Back into the gaping maw of obscurity I go.” After seeing Fleet Foxes headline Pitchfork Music Festival last summer I began to classify them as one of the most complete bands in the entire music scene. The synergy between them was impeccable and consistent improvement implied a growing greatness for me. Slowly emerging from a disappointing departure is my introduction to his new “obscure” project.
Father John Misty is Tillman’s exclamation point to promote his Fleet Foxes departure. My introduction to his project presents itself with song, “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings”. This track describes the resting spots for rock legends Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone. The theme is bold, but should not be surprising to the listeners that follow.
Tillman is interesting. He is borderline captivating. Tillman is starting from scratch with an unbelievable resume attached. Father John Misty is a reassuring first step that is hard to doubt. Stream the single and watch the insane video featuring Aubrey Plaza below.
Connect with Father John Misty via Facebook
Written by Brett McGrath
Band to Watch: Faces on Film
Faces on Film‘s album Some Weather was a release that regrettably escaped me in 2011. The project is the vision of Boston’s Mike Fiore, featured below forsaking his native Red Sox for the Cincinnati Reds. Fiore crafts the type of songs that resonate deeply and immediately. The material is reminiscent of My Morning Jacket’s early work on Tennessee Fire.
Fiore’s writing stands up well in an acoustic setting, as indicated by the video for “Great Move North” from his recent Sleepover Show featured below. However, the production work on Some Weather does nothing to distract from the writing that lies at the album’s core. The songs are richer and more interesting, without losing their identity. The simple piano line and stabbing lead guitar on “Harlem Roses” serves as an excellent example.
Some Weather is the follow-up to 2008’s The Troubles. Fiore has been steadily building a dedicated local following. In 2009, The Boston Phoenix named him the city’s Best Singer-Songwriter. His latest release should do nothing to undermine a growing reputation. The album proves that Fiore’s voice is one deserving of a wider audience.
Connect with Faces on Film via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Rob Peoni
Band to Watch: San Cisco
Crossing borders and stepping into another scene is a rejuvenating experience from and change of routine. The ability to listen, learn, adopt, and share is at our disposal on a day-to-day basis, which is something as listeners we all need to capture. As bands pop up like microbreweries across our state lines we all need to make it a point to introduce new music to our neighboring scenes. Much like we reach for a new local beer to taste, we oftentimes accidentally reach for an import and end up take a trip abroad. I introduce you to San Cisco – Australian for indie pop.
San Cisco is the third artist from down under that we’ve featured on Thought on Tracks within the last few weeks, following ScotDrakula and Field Trip. The band released their debut LP Golden Revolver last year and has followed up in 2012 with a new EP entitled Akward. San Cisco has clearly adopted the expedited release formula to remain relevant. Flying off the coattails of Aussie counterpart, Gotye, San Cisco will attempt to cement visa status this year on U.S. listeners. Jump into the Australian scene and get ready to soar with “Rocket Ship.”
Connect with San Cisco via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 