I was really rocked by Blitzen Trapper last April, when they headlined the High Noon (with Fleet Foxes opening). In fact, I went so far as to buy the tour poster, got it signed by the boys and framed it for my office!
I also recently picked up Furrs – their new album released late September – and have been enjoying it a lot (as in "daily" - I kid you not). It includes plenty of hooks and headphone treasures, and I especially dig the variety of genre-bending soundscapes they create: alt-country, freak folk, psych rock, and . . . more!
Blitzen Trapper is a group of native Northwesterners that have lived and played together in Portland since 2000. Eric Earley writes all songs and provides vocals, keyboards and guitar. Brian Adrian Koch is on drums and vocals - Michael VanPelt plays bass - Erik Menteer is on guitar and Moog synthesizer - Drew Laughery plays keys - and Marty Marquis contributes on guitar, vocals and melodica.
Furr - like their previous releases - was recorded in the group's studio at the Sally Mack's School of Dance -along the Wllamette River in downtown Portland. One new element in the new recording is the addition of an abandoned old piano that they found and muscled into the studio. Though warped, out-of-tune and missing keys, Earley wrote and recorded much of Furr on the clattering old beast.
Here are a few of tracks for your listening pleasure. . . I found it hard to narrow down to 3 tracks for this player, so if you enjoy these songs - buy the record!
I hope you are able to see this show. You cannot miss Stephen Malkmus and you should not miss Blitzen Trapper! --- Mister Bill
Bltizen Trapper will also be playing these Midwest venues in the next few weeks:
October 31, 2008 Picador, Iowa City IA
November 1, 2008 Pageant, St Louis MO
November 2, 2008 Blue Note, Columbia MO
November 4, 2008 Slowdown, Omaha NE
November 5, 2008 Liberty Hall, Lawrence KS
November 8, 2008 Turf Club, St. Paul MN
November 9, 2008 Schubas, Chicago IL
November 10, 2008 Locals Only, Indianapolis IN
November 11, 2008 Skullys, Columbus OH