Fresh Track + Video: Palomino “Ponte Vecchio”
The New England Patriots and their fans are set to infiltrate my turf as they have earned a trip to Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI. My biggest nightmare has turned into a dark reality as Billy Cundiff decided to channel his true, inner Ray Finkle. While it is yet to be seen whether or not Mr. Cundiff goes Louis Einhorn on all of us, I struggle with finding a coping mechanism during these next two weeks. While I will opt to take cover in my downtown apartment to avoid the pain, I have decided to turn to the only thing that can possibly put my soul at ease – music.
It is my best guess that a myriad of residents from this great city will show their support to the Patriots opposition. New York Giants fans will be accepted and embraced by Hoosiers abound. What better way to leverage this new partnership than by using this blog to support the great music that comes from the Big Apple. I introduce you to New York’s Palomino.
Palomino is comprised of Elijah Campbell and Mike Sweeney. The duo is set to drop their self-titled, debut EP on at Ella in NYC on February 17. Their influences consist of Built to Spill, The Clash, and the Replacements. Not a bad set of bands to look to for inspiration. I was impressed when I saw the video for their single “Ponte Vecchio” and hope it is the first of many NYC bands I choose to cover as we lead up to the moment when all eyes are on Indianapolis. I welcome all of our readers to not only listen to Palomino, but use it as an East Coast elixir during times of despair leading up to the big game.
Connect with Palomino via Facebook | Bandcamp
Written by Brett McGrath
Fresh Track: The Spyrals “Lonely Eyes”
If you listen to music every day, you start reaching for different flavors on different occasions. Each album and band serves a purpose. Sometimes, I’m looking to be challenged by the music that I’m listening to. More often, though, I listen to music as a release, preferring it wash over me – erasing the serious thoughts of the day.
Garage rock, of the psychedelic San Francisco variety, has remained a reliable friend on the days that I’m looking to zone out. The songs have a tendency to blend together without ever growing dull or sluggish. It proves easy to lose yourself in the distortion. The songs are generally short and lacking in surprises, as if your mind can write the next note without ever having heard the record before. There’s a certain beauty and satisfaction in that dependability.
The latest San Fran outfit to fill this void comes in the form of The Spyrals. The band released their debut, self-titled album on New Year’s Day. However, they kept busy in 2011 releasing a five-track EP entitled Clouds and a 7”. Below you will find a stream for the song “Lonely Eyes.” It is the opening track from the new album. Give it a whirl.
Connect with The Spyrals via Facebook | Bandcamp
Written by Rob Peoni
Fresh Track: River Whyless “Cedar Dream Part II”
Asheville, NC’s River Whyless dropped their debut LP A Stone, A Leaf, An Unfound Door yesterday. Singers Ryan O’Keefe and Halli Anderson weave pitch-perfect vocals over this string-driven release. The album does not disappoint and showcases a striking amount of maturity for a band that is only just starting out. River Whyless’s sound is rooted in the strings of the Appalachians, but never has the feeling of traditional or bluegrass music. Name your price for a copy of A Stone, A Leaf, An Unfound Door via bandcamp. Catch them on tour this spring with Atlanta’s Little Tybee.
Connect with River Whyless via Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp
Written by Rob Peoni
Thought on Tracks 