raleighing » Local Music

Stream Forthcoming New Album From The Love Language

chris — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:22:57 +0000

One of my favorite Raleigh bands has a release coming out in a few weeks. The Love Language drops “Libraries” July 13 on Carrboro’s Merge Records. This is their second album; their first self-titled album was released in February 2009 and received national attention.

I am happy to report two things about their new album. First of all, you can listen to the whole thing online at the album page on mergerecords.com (look for the link under the album cover). Secondly, I am confident that you and everyone else will agree they have completely, totally, without-a-doubt avoided any semblance of a sophomore slump. The album is grand in scope and demands multiple listens. The opening track, “Pedals”, abounds with layers of lush strings, jangly piano, big drums, soaring lead and harmony vocals, and their signature distorted guitars. We immediately know we’re in for something big here.

Every track on the album is a highlight, with more and more revealed each listen. I’ve posted the first ‘single’ from the album below (hosted on mergerecords.com). But do get over to the Merge Records page and give the whole thing a listen. It’s worth it. Even brought me out of blogging semi-retirement!

The Love Language – Heart To Tell
HeartToTell.mp3

New Release from Another Area Band: Megafaun

chris — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:32:10 +0000

Durham-based Megafaun is releasing a new album, Gather, Form, & Fly, on Tuesday. I have only heard the track below so far but am looking forward to taking in the whole thing tomorrow. These guys came to the area several years back from Eau Claire, Wisconsin as the band DeYarmund Edison which also included Justin Vernon (i.e. Bon Iver). I am reminded of the lyrics of Ben Folds’ “Army” (Citing artistic differences/The band broke up in May/And in June reformed without me) as the band split and everyone but Vernon reformed as Megafaun. Funny, eh?

Looks like the split was good for Vernon as Bon Iver has had quite a breakthrough over the past year. Hopefully things will turn out just as well for the Megafaun guys with this release. They are out on tour now with another area fave, Bowerbirds, who just released a new album of their own and will make a stop in Carrboro at the Arts Center on August 22.

This track is called “The Fade” which is track 3 on the new album.

megafaun-the-fade.mp3

New Music From One of Raleigh’s Best

chris — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:36:21 +0000

UPDATE: This wonderful album is now available. I’ve posted a Lala player below with the full album. It will let you listen to the full tracks one time each after which it will reduce them to 30 second samples unless you buy them from Lala (or buy them somewhere else and upload/match them on Lala).

There are times when I buy and listen to music because it is local. There are other times when I buy and listen to music and it just happens to be local. The Bowerbirds squarely fall into the latter category. Out this Tuesday is their latest effort, Upper Air, which I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone and would do so even if they weren’t based in Raleigh. Listen to a song from the new album below and you’ll see what I mean. It’s an acoustic affair, but just as edgy and interesting as anything out there.

For those who can’t wait another day, purchase the CD or LP here and you’ll receive immediate access to download a digital version of the album.

Once you’ve had a listen, let us know what you think in the comments below!

Bowerbirds – Northern Lights

06-Northern-Lights.mp3

Upper Air – Bowerbirds