The Maple Ridge - There Need Be No Other Title.

April 17th (April 18th in Australia) sees the world wide release of New York outfit Swear & Shake's debut long player "Maple Ridge". This is an album I have long been looking forward to, ever since I chronicled the band in my 2011 T.N.B.N.O.T feature. At that time, I had discovered S & S through their self titled E.P. which quickly rose to the top of my playlist and has remained there ever since. Back then, I felt their music was a kind of nod to the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Arlo Guthrie, Henry Rollins and The Decemberists. Make no mistake though - Swear and Shake have a passionately individual and original sound that should be seen and experienced on it's own terms.

"Maple Ridge" represents and important milestone for the band. Funded partially through Kickstarter - of which I was a proud contributor - the album show cases Swear & Shake in all their indie cred glory. And it is a sumptuous album, full of charm and character, brass and banjos, accordions and acoustics. Recording as they did at the titular Maple Ridge barn in upstate New York, the overall sound has a beauty that is warm and real - untainted by the studio process. The production team have experimented, drawing on the natural acoustics within the barn and adding them to the aural tableaux which makes the listening experience just so damned interesting. The core musicians along with their guest artists are at the top of their game too, bringing each track an individual style - no two tracks are quite the same but, as a collection, they are synchronous - they belong together. And of course, the vocal duets between Kari and Adam are raucous at times, intimate at others and honest always. They have fun and they have heart. It is a jewel of a recording.

As I write this, I've been away in rural South Australia on a locum placement and I've had the good fortune (as a Kickstarter backer) to have an advance listen. It has become my soundtrack to my journey on the back roads and highways of the Outback, a perfect accompaniment to the wide open spaces of the rural heartland, the wheat fields and the sheep paddocks and the towering grain silos that are really, the only evidence that anyone is out here. "Maple Ridge" really does suit any place though or any mood. Losing yourself in it is sublime.

If you are a connosieur of an earthy sound, an indie folk rockabilly,  this is an album that you must treat yourself to. Do yourself a big favor. "Maple Ridge" is available for purchase directly from the band's website in either digital download or physical CD. 


DFA.

Swear and Shake - These White Walls.

This past week, the superlative indie folk outfit "Swear & Shake" (who I featured here at DFA Dot Com last year) released their debut music video "These White Walls" from their upcoming debut album "The Maple Ridge". 

I got a sneak peek of the video in advance as part of my Kickstarter pledge to the band, but now the video is official, I thought I'd share it here. 

It is a killer track from a band who has gone top of my playlist. Check it out.

DFA.

Visit Swear and Shake at their Official Site today.

Swear & Shake - There Need Be No Other Title.

Every now and then, I happen across absolute gems in terms of music. As you know, if you've read my book or my writings here, I am influenced by music. It feeds into my writing and helps me to visualize and draw both character, scene and setting. So I am very much a connoisseur of music, if you will and I will seek out music from just about anywhere. 


But I don't just seek out music for my creative impulses. There is nothing more satisfying to me than discovering something that I can put on the stereo in my work shed on a cold Saturday afternoon, light the fire pot in the back garden and either knock the top off a few beers or pull the cork on a bottle of red and sit and relax in the splendor of my little domain. 


Recently, I happened across a totally legitimate free download from an indie/folk outfit from New York - a quartet with the name "Swear & Shake". The EP, aptly titled "Extended Play" is the first release from the band and it has created a considerable buzz since it's release late last year. Though it comprises only six tracks, "Extended Play" is one of those sit up and take notice the moment you put it on kind of albums. Where does one begin with describing them? Their sound is smooth and smoky, their vocals and harmonies soulful and languid, their lyrics infused with story and poignancy. They add untold depths to the flavor of a glass of wine. They warm your already warm belly with their honest and unrefined acoustics and they deliver a satisfying aural experience that you just don't hear enough of any more.

The band comprises Tom Elefante on Drums, Kari Spieler on Vocals & Guitar, Adam McHeffey on Vocals & Guitar, Shaun Savage on Bass. As an outfit, of relative youth, their sound reflects a maturity and grace that one might associate with an band of many years standing. Their discipline as a live touring band is also impressive and they are a regular fixture in live venues in and around New York and Manhattan. Their success thus far will see them spreading their wings further and I have had a tip off just recently that a tour down under in the next 18 months is not out of the question.        

Presently, "Extended Play" is available as a free download under the Creative Commons attribution for artistic works which means that you can download their EP "Extended Play" completely free and completely legitimately. However, I would encourage you to drop by the band's store and consider parting with $7USD for the physical CD or the $5USD digital download. While there, check out their other merch items including a T-Shirt and Baseball tee which is a favorite of mine.

In addition to their online store, "Swear & Shake" have also embarked on a fund raising venture via the Kickstarter capital raising platform, in the hope of being able to raise enough money to produce their first LP which is titled 'The Maple Ridge'. By pledging as little as $20USD to the project, you can make yourself eligible for a number of incentives/rewards from the band - some of which are quite attractive. It is definitely a worthy project to contribute to given the sublime talent of this quartet.

If you're in the mood for losing yourself in the loveliness of an acoustic sound that is refreshingly honest and as smooth and smoky as an open fire and a glass of wine, then treat yourself to "Swear & Shake". You will not be disappointed. 


DFA.