Ga'an, Pillars and Tongues Offer Tastes of New Records
By Jon Graef in Arts & Entertainment on May 27, 2011 7:20PM
The day before Memorial Day weekend is perfect for checking out new, local music. After all, what's there to lose? What sort of constructive work day can one possibly have? That's why it's worth listening to local trio Ga'an's ten-minute progressive synth epic "Arms They Speak," from their upcoming second record on experimental label Captcha. You can't pretend like you don't have the time.
The band debuted the track on their web site earlier this month. Altered Zones, Pitchfork sister's site, praises Ga'an for its "immense, visceral energy, its totalizing vision and sound," and "Arms They Speak" is a perfect introduction to that sound and vision.
Dark, dissonant synth textures perfectly made for a Dario Argento movie give way to a rock-solid, almost funk-y drum beat. Vocalist Lindsay Powell (who also just recently released a single under her solo project Fielded) starts testifying like a soulful, pagan-influenced Kate Bush as the band slowly layers more sounds, like the arpeggiating guitar line and a synth-doubling bass line.
For all of the witchy-woo occult vibes that may inspire eye-rolls, "Arms They Speak," is a constantly evolving mix of prog, funk and ambient--all of which means there's never a dull moment, despite the long running time.
Should you need a musical palate cleanser though, Pillars and Tongues, playing a free show with Ga'an at the Empty Bottle Monday, have got you covered.
The once-based Chicago foursome (now "in near-constant motion" according to a press release--figure that out on your own) announced a new record, The Pass and Crossings, which will be out June 28th on San Fran label Empty Cellar.
First single "The Making Graceful" was released yesterday, and its an Eastern-influenced (visions of Ravi and Zeppelin dance in our heads) texture-and-tone heavy track. Violins and accordions blend perfectly to create a transcendental feel, while an array of syncopated percussion maintain a solid substratum of beats throughout. "The Making Graceful" is both masterful and graceful.
Download both tracks below, and catch both bands at the Empty Bottle Monday. Free shows are 21+, and start at 9:30 pm.
MP3: Ga'an "Arms They Speak"
MP3: Pillars and Tongues "The Making Graceful"