When I moved
from DC to Austin in 2008 Deleted Scenes were just starting
to make waves on the local music scene. The following year
they released their first full-length, Birdseed Shirt,
to critical acclaim (including a 8.0 from Pitchfork), and
then proceeded to tour incessantly. Naturally, there were a
number of stops in Austin, and I was always impressed to see
their evolution as a band. They're determined to never
repeat themselves, and you can’t help but admire the high
standards they hold themselves to.
Deleted Scenes have been described as unpredictable, which
is certainly true. Simply put, they make curious and
infectious music - the type that rewards you with repeat
listens. The real payoff comes when you focus on lead singer
Dan Scheuerman's lyrics. They have a brutal honesty to them,
and that gives the songs depth and resonance. This was the
case on Birdseed Shirt, and it's also true on the new
album, Young People's Church Of The Air, which is
being released on September 6 (just before their September
12 show at the Mohawk).
:Deleted
Scenes - Baltika 9:
This upbeat sci-fi-themed tune features tribal beats and an
off-kilter vibe, and it’s a great example of the brilliant
rhythms found throughout the album. While Deleted Scenes is
not your typical DC band, their mix of go-go beats with
indie rock can be traced back to DC acts such as The
Dismemberment Plan, Q And Not U, and even Fugazi.
:Deleted
Scenes - Bedbedbedbedbed:
The confessional pleading on this track showcases the honest
lyrics I discussed earlier. It’s highly personal but highly
relatable. We’ve all fucked up and had to ask a loved one
for forgiveness. We (at least me, anyway) just never did it
in as lovely of a fashion as this song does.
PS - Royal Forest, a local favorite of mine, will be playing
with Deleted Scenes on September 12th. Last year they
released an excellent self-titled EP, which marked their
name switch from Loxsly to Royal Forest, and a few months
back they put out some covers (hear those
here). I love the covers, but you really
have to listen to Civilwarland. It’s not only my
favorite effort from their EP, but it’s one of the best
tracks released all of last year.
:Royal
Forest - Civilwarland:
- Dan Corbin -
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