A quick mention of a few local bands with some interesting online features today:
In another early bit of promotion for I and Love and You (now due in September, NPR says), Concord quartet The Avett Brothers recorded a three-song installment of Tiny Desk Concert in the office of All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen. The unrecorded “Down with the Shine” and the new staple “Bella Donna” make an appearance, but the real reason to watch is the opener, “Laundry Room.” A gorgeous song with a dozen slogans for the taking, “Laundry Room” finds the harmonies of the Avetts hitting new strides. And it’s good to see that Scott’s banjo refuses to stay in tune, even for NPR.
Writing for Pitchfork, Indy contributor Brian Howe threw Durham’s Megafaun a 7 out of 10 this morning for “Kaufman’s Ballad,” the second cut from the band’s upcoming second record, Gather, Form & Fly. Co-written by Perry Wright of The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers, the song explores the death and Joshua Tree cremation of Gram Parsons. “The collision of the conventional and the progressive on ‘Kaufman’s Ballad’ creates plenty of heat,” writes Howe. “Kaufman’s” was originally available on a compilation through the band’s new label, Hometapes. Also, just announced: Megafaun’s national summer tour with Bowerbirds. NCFRKFLK4EVER, y’all!
Over the weekend, Internet live-takes phenomenon Daytrotter released two sessions by two North Carolina-releated bands: Nashville-via-Chapel Hill unit Roman Candle throws down for five songs, including the unreleased “Starting from Scratch,” here, while What Laura Sayssigned to Annuals-affiliated imprint Terpsikhoregoes for it here.
