Ever had that moment where you are listening to a few of your 14,000 MP3's
and a song randomly comes on that makes you wonder exactly what happen to
that band or label? This happened to me today as I was deciding what my post
for the day would be, I should have known that Winamp would show me the way.
My friends, the way is Exumbrella Records and their wonderful roster of
Utah's finest indie artists. In all honestly though I have no idea what is
going on with the label these days, their site has not been updated since
March, and an assortment of Myspace pages can only tell you so much. I do
know that the label has released some really great stuff from artists such
as TaughtMe, Tolchock Trio, and Will Sartain so that is all that really
matters. Who needs new information anyways? I picked a few of my favorite
songs from some of the bands over there at Exumbrella so if you enjoy these
make sure to spread the good word.
:TaughtMe - Skinny Thighs: I first heard of
Blake's project after meeting a now defunct Exumbrella band, The Tremula, at
a show last year. After the concert I enquired about other artists that the
band liked and they all shared unanimous love for anything and everything
TaughtMe. I figured this was because he was on their label but it turns out
the guy is amazing and since then I have been a fan. Blake has two albums
and both are equally amazing but I prefer his second disc, "Arms As Traps,"
and that is the one that "Skinny Thighs" is from. I love the use of acoustic
guitars and various electronic sounds, it all fits perfectly with Blake's
voice. His Myspace says he is working on a new album called "Lady" so keep
an eye out.
:Tolchock Trio - Wolf Eyes: The most
impressive thing about these four guys is that they feel they are good
enough to lie and call themselves a trio, oddly enough, it's true. The
Tolchock Trio is Exumbrella's most accessible band and it is not too hard to
see why if you give one of their two albums a listen. "Wolf Eyes" is from
their second disc "Ghosts Have No Bones" and it will show you exactly what
I'm talking about. The song is catchy and there is nothing complicated about
the music, the whole thing is just a good indie rock song. I'm not sure what
the band is doing now, maybe they are debating whether to change their name
to the Tolchock Quadruples.
:Will Sartain - The Piano Song #2: While
Tolchock Trio is Exumbrella's most accessible band, Will is their most
versatile artist. He did some cool stuff with the Tremula when they were
still together, he books shows for the label, and he has a solo career as
well. I really like how his album, "The Listening Booth," is a nice foray
into the world of indie pop. "The Piano Song #2" is a good example of what
the rest of the album is like so if you like then I recommend checking out
the rest of his stuff. The last I heard Will was suppose to be working on
some new material but I can't say that for sure.
-
John Laird -
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