Band to Watch: Baby Alpaca
Tuesday night was yet another confirmation that Brooklyn is the current hotbed of independent music. I finished up work for the day and hopped on the train to catch Gauntlet Hair at Glasslands. I absolutely adore the sound that Gauntlet Hair is able to produce and they played a fantastic set topped off by favorites, such as “Top Bunk.” While I expected Gauntlet Hair to deliver, it was opening act Baby Alpaca that really struck a chord.
Brooklyn’s Chris Kittrell uses the Baby Alpaca name to promote a dream rock vibe that comes off as a combination of Chris Isaak and Depeche Mode. As his set progressed, I continued to lean over to my friend that I met for the show and discuss the little moments of brilliance that we both saw. Kittrell, a Cincinnati native was dynamic with his delivery. Some of his songs were stripped to promote his unique vocals, while others were backed with a drum beat to create a more party-like atmosphere. The crowd in attendance roared as he closed out his set and fans begged for more.
One night in Brooklyn quickly makes me realize that it is impossible to dial into the pulse of all the great musicians that are playing small venues all across the country. This will not be the last time that you hear from Baby Alpaca. It is evident that Kittrell has the talent and the background to take this project a long way. I expect the buzz to pick up for Baby Alpaca as the debut full length is set to be released this summer. In the meantime, download their EP for free and make sure keep an eye out to see if they roll through your region.
Connect with Baby Alpaca via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Brett McGrath
Fresh Track: Purity Ring “Obedear”
A while back, and one of my first posts for Thought on Tracks, I featured electronic duo Purity Ring in a Band to Watch post following their two big hits “Belispeak” and “Lofticries”. After these two singles dropped, a long silence period came with the hope that we would be given a debut LP shortly. The wait is no longer. Purity Ring released the presumed latest single from the album entitled “Obedear” this past Monday along with the details for the album. Shrines will be released 7-24-12 via 4AD Records. “Obedear” follows the precedent set of ridiculously good simple electronic beats and with Megan’s vocals drawing the listener in. Simply put, this is one of my most anticipated releases of 2012 and it’s everything I’m into listening to right now. For those in the Midwest or willing to travel, you can catch Purity Ring this July along with me on Friday of Pitchfork Music Festival.
Connect with Purity Ring via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Greg Dahman
EP Stream: Churches ‘Self-titled’
Today, the Bay Area’s CHURCHES released their debut, self-titled EP. The six tracks hit hard, pumping out at a palatable mixture of 90s-influenced indie rock. The project was produced by current WATERS and former Port O’Brien front man Van Pierszalowski. Pierszalowski’s influence is understated, but CHURCHES shares the energetic, guitar-driven sensibility that served as the cornerstone of WATERS’ debut Out in the Light.
Hoosier native Pat Spurgeon sets the beat for CHURCHES, rounding out their sound with cymbal-heavy percussion. Spurgeon gained national attention a few years back during his public struggle to find a living organ donor for his failing kidney. At the time, Spurgeon was holding down rhythm for the band Rogue Wave, forced to perform grueling dialysis treatments amidst a busy tour schedule. The experience was chronicled in the award-winning documentary D tour. Spurgeon’s story has placed him in the spotlight in the national debate over health care reform. Staying insured is often a struggle for full-time musicians with inconsistent paychecks.
However, this is not a post about Pat. This is a post about a new band that is worth your attention. I am particularly taken with tracks “SAVE ME”, “FEEL ALRIGHT” and the drum-driven “HUSK.” CHURCHES relies heavily on early grunge and alternative influences, but the soaring vocals lead singer Caleb Nichols prevents the project from dissolving into the darkness that dominated that scene. Stream the entirety of CHURCHES’ self-titled EP below. Name your price for a download via Bandcamp. West coast readers can catch the band live at one of the tour dates listed below.
Connect with Churches via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Rob Peoni
Thought on Tracks 