Withered Hand Announces Ten Years EP

Admittedly, Withered Hand wasn’t on my radar until Slumberland Records helped released New Gods; I then, of course, went back to pick up Good News, his first album. Where is this going, you ask? Well, four songs off of Good News have been re-recorded with accompanying strings, and it seems fitting that we share those, if and only to share our affinity for Dan Wilson’s craft…not to mention the great labels that are sharing in this release, WIAIWYA and Fika Recordings. The below song is a great example of the emotional pull that can be added via string accompaniment, and man, throwing that in with a Wilson penned tune is likely to make me cry. Except I can’t because it’s cold here, like my heart. The Ten Years EP is officially out on December 20th.

New Music from Withered Hand and Singer of Songs

This morning, I’d like to thank two people. Gold Flake Paint for pointing out this new release and Mike from Slumberland who brought Withered Hand to my attention. I’ve struggled to find gems the last few days, but my morning has been made with this Withered Hand & Singer of Songs putting out Among Horses I. It’s stripped down pop of the sad bastard sort with both parties taking turns fleshing out the songs of one another. I think I’m stuck on “Among Horses;” the song is pretty sparse until the guitars are upped, letting me get lost in the bliss. If you’re in love with this, be sure to pick it up from Son Canciones.

Top 50 Albums of 2014

TOP 50 ALB 14These lists are everywhere, so you’ll be excused if you just roll your eyes and skip on. But, that being said, we always seem to be way off the mark when it comes to our Top 50 Albums of the Year.  Sure, we have some of the sure fire hits on this list like Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten, but don’t even read on if you’re look ing to see where Run the Jewels made it…they’re not there. Sorry not sorry.  So, if you’re into arbitrary lists by people who like to push their own agenda, then this list is for you! Read more

Thus Far….Albums of 2014.5

docIt’s still rather early in the year to start talking about best records of the year and what not, but as we’re midway through 2014, every one is doing it…so why not join in the fun.  But, with this in mind, remember that these lists are arbitrary, and if anything, pretty meaningless in the long run; you never know if your thoughts will change in six months…and really, they’re just like, our opinions man.  We’ll have two sections…one for national albums and another section of Austin albums released up to this point in 2014.   Read more

Withered Hand – New Gods

14191-new-godsRating: ★★★★☆

If you’re looking for a record that’s going to give you an immediate connection, then you should stop all you’re doing and find a way to listen to this new album from Withered Hand, the project of Dan Willson.  New Gods is brimming with reflection in the lyrics, the kind that one finds when coming to terms with growing up and getting old. You’ll find yourself repeating so many of these tunes that you’re likely to burn through your first copy in a matter of hours.

“Horseshoe” begins your affair with an acoustic strum and Willson’s voice, which occasionally has a Wayne Coyne affectation to it.  The song becomes fleshed out through drums and a backing electric guitar.  Throughout my listens I can’t tell what I’m more in love with, the intimacy of Willson’s voice or the eruptive chorus that gets better with each; they’re both incredible dammit. It’s a beautiful tune that opens the way for the more introspective lyrics of “Black Tambourine.”  I’d hate to say I know what Dan’s thinking, but my interpretation revolves around the idea of evolving from your youthful outlook only to find that you don’t necessarily have to redefine your life and your goals. You’ll find a similar sentiment in the lyrics of “Fall Apart” later in the record. But, while the lyrics often turn to internalizing the process of adulthood, New Gods is often just about the abilities of a great songwriter.

As I alluded to earlier, there are some songs that have immediate connection with the listener, and “King of Hollywood” is one such song.  Willson incorporates varying styles from a rocking singer-songwriter to a more country influences songwriter within this tune, but it still holds tightly to a core wrapped around pop sensibility.  There’s a positivity exhibited in the mood of the track, which sets you up for the more solemn number that follows, “California.”  The majority of this track is built on the simplicity of a strummed guitar and the vocals, which are joined on occasion by a female backing part. Still, there’s a raised element during the chorus, and while it might remain louder in your speakers, it brings with it a sentiment of solitude that fits in nicely.

If I did have to pick a track that stood out to me above the rest, it would surely be the album’s title track, “New Gods.”  This song combines the lyrical content discussed earlier with the excellent songwriting I’ve come to realize Dan Willson has to offer.  This song also utilizes all these little hidden brush strokes that add to the tune.  There’s a strummed guitar, light drum touches, deep bass buzz, piano and even backing vocals; he throws in everything, yet still holds the center of the song around himself.  But, each of us are affected differently, so who knows what you’ll find as your favorite when you give this a listen.

Withered Hand might just be the ideas of one man, but it seems like it encompasses the life of men in general.  The songs are personal, and even though they take on serious tones, there’s still an element of playfulness, which I’ve found endearing.  You’ll be wise to rush out and find your hands on New Gods.

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New Gods is available through Slumberland Records.

 

 

 

SXSW 2014 Interview: Withered Hand

witheredhandpressphotoSXSW coverage continues this week with Scottish band Withered Hand.  They’re heading overseas just in time for the release of their album, New Gods, which is coming to us courtesy of Slumberland Records/Fortuna Pop.  Both labels are reliable, and the music has already proven to be worthy of high praise. Read on for the band’s answers to our questions, and look forward to dates featuring the band coming soon. Read more

More New Music from Withered Hand

witheredhandI was actually wondering about Slumberland Records earlier this week.  They kicked a lot of ass opening 2013, and they’ve been relatively quiet in 2014. But, as long as the label is putting out tunes like this latest track from Withered Hand, then there needs to be no complaining from anyone, myself included.  The project of Dan Wilson sounds incredible here, with these strong melodies, delivered in a calm manner.  It’s not a forceful track, but one that just rides this wave of quality vocals and steady musical accompaniment.  The stunner will appear on New Gods, which will be released on March 25th.

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Fun Tune From Withered Hand

2274I can’t say that I’d ever really heard too much about Edinburgh based pop group Withered Hand prior to this post.  My admission out of the way, I wanted to share with you guys this fun new track called “Black Tambourine”.  It’s an incredibly easy track to like with it’s jingle jangle style meandering about throughout the entire song.  I’d be hard pressed to label it anything other than just downright fun.  You agree?

Get your hands on new album New Gods via Slumberland Records on February 25th.

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