New Music from Icarus Phoenix

I’m a longtime Drew Danburry stan, so when I heard that there was a new Icarus Phoenix tune on the horizon, I rushed to press play…and here I am admitting I got exactly what I expected. Seemingly settled on a new lineup, it seems the band have taken Drew’s vision of off-kilter bedroom folk ditties and elevated them to a grander vista; it’s a place where you’ll find similarities with acts like Grandaddy or Earlimart, though Drew always seems to be winking at the listener with some of his wordplay. Always nice to dive into new Icarus Phoenix…and looks like we’re in luck as the Son EP is scheduled for March 1st release.

Icarus Phoenix Shares Too Many Hands Video

Going back through my emails this week, I’ve been sleeping on dropping this Icarus Phoenix video, which has been out for a hot minute. Still, I love Drew Danburry’s songwriting, particularly in this project, so it seems fitting as I’m circling back to include the latest tune from the forthcoming Sometimes Our Shadow Gets in the Way. This round, Drew is joined up by Josaleigh Pollett, who adds a nice balance to the song and helps detail the song’s story of a toxic relationship; she plays a nice foil with a more pensive tone in her voice, mixing up the textural balance in a traditional duet sense. This new LP will be out on Telos Tapes on April 7th.

Icarus Phoenix Shares Eddie King Video

When I first stumbled upon Icarus Phoenix, I kept it close; it was something so special and personal that I didn’t want to share it, not yet anyways. But, I realized that wasn’t fair because Drew Danburry’s songwriting is just too brilliant to keep locked away. And so here we are, a week away from the release of No Tree Can Grow to Heaven Unless Its Roots Reach Down to Hell, with one final gem to share. “Eddie King” is great storytelling from Danburry, and in a sense reminds me of a pop rock version of Jeffrey Lewis. The song’s got these little bits of cascading guitar to give some punch, yet it still has that personable feel you get from an Icarus Phoenix release. Plus, you have to give credit to Drew, as he hand drew and animated this video. Look for the new LP from Telos Tapes next Friday, September 10th.

Icarus Phoenix Shares Anthem Video

By now, you’re likely aware of my adoration for Drew Danbury’s Icarus Phoenix project; he’s been dropping singles left and right as he prepares for the release of the new LP. This run through, you get a slight heavier punch in the getting, offering up an almost rock vibe, though it’s quickly peeled back for the voices, allowing for the intimate swoon that’s made Danburry’s work so enchanting since I hit upon the self-titled Icarus Phoenix LP. There are definitely some vocal notes here that remind me of Clem Snide, so I’m definitely inclined to just sit here and fawn, but I’ll let you decided. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Drew keeps this a family affair, allowing his 12 year old nephew create the video here. Look for the new LP via Telos Tapes on September 10th.

Icarus Phoenix Shares All the Same

Ya’ll all know by now how much I love Drew Daburry’s project, Icarus Phoenix; it’s one of those little secret I keep hoping you all are willing to dip your toes into as you browse our site. When this song opens, you get the traditional Danburry feel, an emotional vocal plain and upfront in the mix. But, what really charmed me on this track was the song’s elevated punch. It hits for the first time just before the 40 second mark, drums dropping in and guitars giving off a little more bravado. Honestly, it reminds me of the best of Jason Lytle, blending a more modern power pop feel with folk inclinations. This tune will appear on the seance Icarus Phoenix release, slated for later this Fall.

Icarus Phoenix Shares New Single

Last year I implored you all to dabble in the world of Icarus Phoenix, the songwriting moniker of Drew Danburry; the self-titled album from last year was a secret gift I hope some of you unwrapped. But, not one to sit back, it seems the band has a new album slated for a Fall release, and we’re being treated to a delightful tune right here. Interestingly, the song opens up in phase one, in what I’ll call the Ben Gibbard phase; it’s soft and enchanting, radiating warmth. Then the song begins to swell, more instruments and nuance building that textural depth that fascinates us all, rising from the ashes like the phoenix itself. I just love what Drew’s doing, so looking forward to another new LP this September.

Icarus Phoenix Shares New Video

Last fall, Drew Danburry released a remarkable collection of songs under the Icarus Phoenix moniker; I raved about the release on these very pages here, though its possible you missed out on those. But, for me, the brand new video for album track “Cassie Knows, or How a Shy Person Says I Love You” is reason enough to re-celebrate that release…not to mention the joy at marveling in Danburry’s ability to craft great pop and illustrated his own videos! Drew’s got this natural kindness in his voice, the sort that I marveled at when I first heard Stuart Murdoch, so that should set the tone for you. Thematically, the tune revels in the present, appreciating the fact that we’re here today, so take a breath, listen to this and be grateful you were given today. This album’s available via Telos Tapes.

Stream Icarus Phoenix Self-Titled LP

Icarus Phoenix is the current project of Drew Danburry, and while I can’t guarantee that it will change your world, I’m honestly hoping that you give it that chance. The whole of this record requires time, requires you to let your body go, lose everything you have in the quiet notes trickling through your headphones. If you’re looking for musical comparisons, I’ve been sort of feeling that it’s this weird hybrid of Badly Drawn Boy and Elliott Smith; there are these quiet beautiful moments that reek of Smith homage, yet there’s this grand nature of composition that plays on the latter…so it’s like late-era Britpop draped in the coat of sad bastards, and it’s oh so beautiful. The LP is available digitally and on cassette from Telos Tapes.

Drifting Pop from Bartholin

ddOh Friday mornings. Somehow, we’re all looking towards the weekend, sometimes it’s all that consumes us. For me, this Bartholin has my mind wondering to what’s ahead, what hides beyond the horizon. It’s the new project of ATH fave Drew Danburry and Cat Leavy, building on a steady drip of pop. The opening moments are pleasant enough, as each breathy vocal turns, but I wasn’t sold completely until after the 2 minute mark where the vocals soar, met with backing accompaniment…and now, I just can’t wait to hear what else the two have in store. They’ll be releasing a self-titled EP next Friday, so keep your ears peeled.

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Album Premiere: The Funny Uncles

0001752112_10Drew Danburry is a guy I’ve known for quite some time as a quirky, just left of center, yetawesome songwriter and creator of great music. You might remember him as the guy who wrote the tearjerker entitled “Artex” about the horse from Never Ending Story. Well I was pleased to hear from Drew a few days ago after a lengthy pause and receive some news about his new album under the moniker The Funny Uncles. In even better news, Drew has allowed me to premiere this new album below! It’s entitledWritin’ Songsand features songs all under a minute long about some of your favorite products and stores. While some of you may think, “what the hell, that’s weird”, yes it is a bit weird, but picture it as a fun ride through all the awful shit we Americans hold as vices and addictions. You’ll laugh at times, you’ll think a bit too, and you’ll be enjoying some great pop music all at the same time. Trust me, it’s an experience unlike any other listening to start from finish. Hopefully he doesn’t get sued.

Drew will release this album on cassette soon! Pre-order here now.

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