Formed in 2000, Filligar consists of Casey Gibson, Johnny, Pete, and Teddy Mathias. Despite their young age (all four are in college), Filligar has recorded over 60 songs on six full-length CDs.
Their most recent record, "The City Tree" (recorded at the acclaimed Gravity Studios in Chicago) has received favorable reviews from many reputable critics, such as top-notch American pop music critic Jim DeRogatis (of the Chicago Sun-Times and Sound Opinions) who praised the album for its "poetic lyrics, keyboard arpeggios and genteel but winning melodies, which hone to the right side of twee (a la Belle & Sebastian at its best) while avoiding the smart 'n' sensitive preppie shtick of indie-rock heroes of the moment Vampire Weekend." IvyGate Blog says that "Filligar has the chops to explode into the next big thing."
Simply, Russian Circles is a three piece instrumental band from Chicago. It would be tough to imagine that a band would be able to develop its own unique presence and innovation with such solid groundwork in the instrumental genre.
However, Russian Circles does bring something new to the table. Their songs feel incredibly narrative and linear. There is no angular flash or mathematical flair. These songs stream through themes and by no means build on just one repeating idea. They are gargantuan in scope. They flow seamlessly from beautiful soft ambience to truly defined melody to massively thick heaviness with a gradual progression that never leaves you lost. Variety is no gimmick and they are a band that does not just vacillate within an achieved sonic identity.
Russian Circles recorded their second full length album entitled Station in Seattle, WA with Producer Matt Bayles for release on May 6th 2008 on Suicide Squeeze Records. Mike Sullivan on guitar, Dave Turncrantz on Drums and Brian Cook on bass.
Simply, Russian Circles is a three piece instrumental band from Chicago. It would be tough to imagine that a band would be able to develop its own unique presence and innovation with such solid groundwork in the instrumental genre.
However, Russian Circles does bring something new to the table. Their songs feel incredibly narrative and linear. There is no angular flash or mathematical flair. These songs stream through themes and by no means build on just one repeating idea. They are gargantuan in scope. They flow seamlessly from beautiful soft ambience to truly defined melody to massively thick heaviness with a gradual progression that never leaves you lost. Variety is no gimmick and they are a band that does not just vacillate within an achieved sonic identity.
Russian Circles recorded their second full length album entitled Station in Seattle, WA with Producer Matt Bayles for release on May 6th 2008 on Suicide Squeeze Records. Mike Sullivan on guitar, Dave Turncrantz on Drums and Brian Cook on bass.
Alice Russell took some time away from preparing for her set to discuss difficulties getting through customs, keeping the recording process organic, excitement for a trip to Miami, and getting eaten by pants. [View Full Size] Other items Fink Langhorne Slim Pela
