When I saw the World/Inferno Friendship Society play for the first time, I also inadvertently ended up finding out about all kinds of other bands. I would say “similar bands”, but that is somewhat impossible. However, there is a slight resemblance, in terms of reckless style. I found Mischief Brew and Guignol and Nanuchka this way, and likewise I found Mutiny.

I could cut this review short and simply give you a two-word review: pirate-folk. Think, raspy voice, the occasional female vocals, and more fiddles than you can probably handle. I’ll leave you with some samples, as that’s the best I can find, as hearing them does them a bit more justice.

Downloads

From Rum Rebellion
Bligh – (MP3, sample)
Here’s to Adventure – (MP3, sample)
Take a Chance – (MP3, sample)
Drink to Better Days – (MP3, sample)

I learned of Garrett Pierce through Jake Mann; namely, they’re friends who play music together. Alright! Introduction complete.

While many musicians tend to put the focus on their instrumentation, Garrett Pierce does not, preferring to give much of it to his voice. He doesn’t show off much range (to my ears, anyway), but the music doesn’t suffer because of it. He’s kind of like a much more mellow Micah P. Hinson, in that regard. All Souls Day uses all-too familiar riffs and melodies to prevent anyone from getting bored, which makes it ideal for blogging. Tumbling Down The Sidewalk, on the other hand, is one of the slowest songs I’ve heard in recent times. Don’t feel too bad if you fall asleep while listening to it.

Downloads

From Like A Moth
All Souls Day – (MP3, 3.4 MB)
Tumbling Down The Sidewalk – (MP3, 4.2 MB)

If you are a fairly regular reader of 3hive, like me, you have already heard of Musical Family Tree, a rather large and entirely free MP3 archive. They released a very fine compilation album a few months ago and, since it is indeed very fine, I will be posting several bands from the compilation/their website. I would normally say “first up is Hands Down Eugene” but Margot & The Nuclear So And So’s have taken that honor previously. So, second up is Hands Down Eugene!

If, through some devil alchemy, you were able to take the British out of the Beatles, you’d probably end up with something like Hands Down Eugene. That is to say there are lovely vocals, and they create some catchy instrumentation that remains interesting after repeated listens. I suppose the lyrics aren’t as good, but at least there aren’t a few dozen love songs. It’s still pretty strange that the new Beatles have ended up in Tennessee, though. That’s alchemy for you, I guess.

They have more influences than the Beatles, of course; Champion could almost pass for an uplifting Songs: Ohia tune. Of course, I am mostly horrible at discerning a band’s influences and so I shouldn’t bother. Oh well, just download the music.

Downloads

From Full Blast
Full Blast – (MP3, 4MB)
If It’s Up To Me – (MP3, 3.5 MB)
Champion – (MP3, 3.8 MB)
Read And Disadvantaged – (MP3, 3 MB)