A Hawk and A Hacksaw

(Myspace)(Website)

Not only does this duo (originally from New Mexico, now based out of Budapest, Hungry) make great music, but A Hawk and a Hacksaw live the life. Their musical style is rooted in Eastern European culture and tradition. This gives them an ability to educate themselves about their own musical roots by performing with musicians who have been playing in this way for generations and through travel. They can also perform in venues ranging from festivals, bars, homes and sidewalks. They have opportunity to interact with audiences and other musicians of different cultures and on levels that most group never will. What bands travel the world (well.. Europe) and play with street musicians and masters of their style just for the sake of music, friendship, cultural understanding, and self improvement? Of course, their take on the traditional is new and fresh, but their constant exposure to music through experience, collaboration, and disscussion allows them to first understand, then evolve. I have never been so jealous of a lifestyle. They're living my dream.

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A Hawk and a Hacksaw- Darkness at Noon

(2005) The Leaf Label

A Hawk and a Hacksaw- The Way the Wind Blows

(2006) The Leaf Label

A Hawk and a Hacksaw- And the Hun Hangar Ensemble

(2007) The Leaf Label

Remember.. "Do you take to take, or do you listen?"

 -- Support these musicians. Spread the word.

High Places

(Myspace)(Website)

High Places, a two-piece out of Brooklyn, have been described as a 'new-primitive' band. Live percussion, electronics, and simple vocal melodies are this duos musical foundation.  After a split with Xiu Xiu, a date at Pitchfork Festival, and a tour with No Age, the group will release their debut (self-titled) full-length record on September 23. 

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High Places created a compilation of their recordings  between 03/07 and 09/07:

High Places- 03/07-09/07

Remember.. "Do you take to take, or do you listen?"

 -- Support these musicians. Spread the word.

Maps & Atlases

(Myspace)(Website)

Maps and Atlases have been a favorite of mine for some time. Their ability to combine technicality and musicality is stunning. The bands growth between records is very evident, and very admirable. They proved their technical ability on the Tree Swallows Houses EP, and show a developed and refined song-writing prowess on the newly released You and Me and The Mountain EP.  Both are remarkable, and well worth a listen.

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Maps & Atlases- Tree, Swallows, Houses

(2006) Sargent House

Maps & Atlases- You and Me and the Mountain

(2008) Sargent House

Remember.. "Do you take to take, or do you listen?"

 -- Support these musicians. Spread the word.

Efterklang

(Photo shows touring members; an extra four in addition to the regular line-up)

(Myspace) (Website)

Efterklang, a group from Copenhagen, builds dreamy "post-pop" soundscapes in a way that is both moving and truly unique. The music is beautiful, and their live show is unparalleled. I got a chance to catch them on a recent US tour, and was left in complete awe. 

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Efterklang- Tripper

(2004) The Leaf Label

 

Efterklang- Parades

(2007) The Leaf Label

Remember.. "Do you take to take, or do you listen?"

 -- Support these musicians. Spread the word.