Album Stream: Laura K. Balke ‘Rumors & Legends’
Anyone who knows me well has heard me speak of my soft spot for female singer-songwriters. Abigail Washburn, Jessica Lea Mayfield and even Norah Jones are all artists that I keep in steady rotation. So to find endearing qualities in Laura K. Balke’s latest album, Rumors & Legends, was no stretch. The songs fell nicely within my comfort zone.
The album is the third full-length release from the Princeton, IN native. It was produced by John Autry and recorded in whatever quiet space proved convenient – a piano warehouse, an empty art gallery, and a variety of apartments. The efforts resulted in eleven songs that underscore Balke’s strengths as a writer.
Though not an overriding theme, there is an element of pop in Rumors & Legends. She carves out a character of defiant confidence, not unlike the ones portrayed in songs by Top 40 starlets Taylor Swift or Kelly Clarkson. However, a darkness is present here that’s lacking for those artists. Her emotions translate in the writing, never missing a syllable, she is clearly a musician that values the lyric. This comes as no surprise, unlike the bulk of Swift’s work, these songs were written entirely by the singer.
Also departing from the Top 40 formula is Balke’s refusal to dress her songs up. There’s no layering of choruses with a dozen vocal tracks or a fifteen-man backing band. Though her band complements nicely, Balke’s acoustic guitar and voice lie at the core of every song on Rumors and Legends.
Saturday night, Balke and her band debuted songs from Rumors & Legends at an album release party at Earth House. Listen to the album in its entirety below. Purchase the album via Balke’s bandcamp page. Hard copies include beautiful artwork that corresponds with each individual track.
Written by Rob Peoni
Album Review: Real Estate ‘Days’
As the leaves fall and the gloves fill we all have a hand in what musical selections will provide us with a certain warmth to carry us through this rigorous routine. My blanket has been an unbelievable pairing offered to me prior to this full wardrobe transition. Witness the effort of a band that has continued to build their resume with their latest release.
Days is a snap shot of a band that has done nothing but progress since its inception. Real Estate’s initial introduction to us came in the form of their 2009 EP Reality. They quickly followed it up in that same year with their self-titled release that offered us singles such as “Beach Comber,” which quickly grabbed control of our seasonal moods. I was convinced that this was a group of Jersey beach residents with a vision of summertime blues baked by rays. To add to their credentials and beach feel, guitarist, Mathew Mondanile III released his unbelievably radical side-project, at the beginning of this year with Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics. The song that took off from his release was “Killin the Vibe,” but it hardly did that for their musical career.
Having the sense to pivot and persevere is essential for any artist, but Real Estate has found a way to take this theme to the next level. Their ability to transition with the seasons is why I enjoy Days so much. At first glace I was convinced that they were a beach band, but once I have filled the plate for second helpings I realize that they have made my fall comfortable.
“It’s Real” is not only one of my favorite songs of the year, but also one of my favorite videos. If you are an indie rock / dog lover like me this will give you the warm fuzzys. Check it out HERE.
“Out of Tune” was the first song that I heard from this album and it projected the vibe of this album effectively: In no solid state / You know we can’t cop to / The frequency of your inner debate / It was all out of tune / You’re entering this town / Yourself a weeping clown /You play along to songs written for you / But you’re all out of tune / You’re all out of tune”
The introduction to dissonance on this release has allowed changed my perception of this band. Song, “Green Aisles” does its job to assist with their transition to the fall season: Under dormant trees / Under bright lit skies / Mountains of maple leaves / Standing side by side
It is this sedentary message that inspired me to bloom and search for a moment to capture one of my favorite albums live. I glanced into the calendar of Real Estate in attempt to see them during my brief holiday off-season at work. Much to my surprise I realized they were playing in Lexington, KY this Saturday in one of the final shows of their Fall tour.
Seasonal vibes kicked in and decisions were made. A trip to Kentucky is justified this weekend. An opportunity to recognize a progression before the snow falls and the ice thickens. See you Saturday Real Estate, only a couple of Days.
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 
Preview: Tonic Ball X
Tonight marks the tenth annual Tonic Ball in Indianapolis’ historic Fountain Square neighborhood. This year’s festival promises to be the largest in its history, showcasing more than 40 artists at three separate venues. All money from ticket sales supports Second Helpings – a charity organization that provider over 3,000 meals to Indy’s hungriest citizens each day.
The event will kick off with a silent auction at New Day Meadery from 5 – 8 PM. From there, guests will wander toward the tunes. Each of the three venues will feature local artists attempting to create a unique version of songs not their own. Fountain Square Theatre will play host to the Michael Jackson stage, White Rabbit Cabaret will serve as the David Bowie stage and Radio Radio will feature songs by recently disbanded R.E.M.
Indy’s latest and greatest event site Do317.com is powering a nifty schedule that allows attendees to easily map out their scheduled listening for the evening. The music will continue into the wee hours with Hitchhike playing closer at 1 AM at Radio Radio. Tonic Ball promises to be one of the parties of the fall in Indianapolis, and its support of Second Helpings adds another worthwhile reason to attend.
Online sale of tickets are now closed, but a limited number of tickets will be made available at the event itself. Claw, scratch, and elbow folks. Do what you must to get into this event. Just don’t miss it!
Written by Rob Peoni