[ Track by Track ] Gills release debut album "Shadows of the Moon"

Artist: Gills
Album: Shadows of the Moon
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           Gills is an alt-country/ blues rock band based out of Buffalo NY. Band members include Duane Gills, Kristine Gills, Jim O'Brien, Mike Ryan, and Dan Solari. Some of Gills musical influences range from classic rock like the Allman Brothers, and U2, and Foo Fighters; along with country artists like Reckless Kelly, and John Mark McMillan. The band has just released their first full length album titled "Shadows of the Moon". Recording for the album started in November 2016 took a little over 6 months. We all know the working band's struggle,  having a family and a full time job, while still trying to make time to get to the studio, rehearsals, and gigs. It's not easy, but it makes the release of an album that much more to celebrate. The finished record features ten heartfelt, thoughtfully produced tracks focused around great songwriting and a dynamically driven band.


                                                             TRACK BY TRACK

 1. "Shadows" - This song starts off with bright piano, and builds adding bass guitar, and drums. Jazzy guitar chords weave in and out of the verses. The melodic piano pushes the song along, as the lyrics tell a story of longing, and seeing someone everywhere, that isn't actually there. "Any time I'm in need of direction, I take a breath and I look in the mirror, and oh, I see shadows of you"


2. "Beautiful Lady" - Acoustic guitar over light hits on the snare with brushes begin this track. Throughout the song lead guitar adds flourishes of melody, vocals layer into each rotating chorus, also adding cello. "I feel my heartstrings pull being so far from home, and in the morning I search for you, I look but I won't find, I scream and yell out your name, it'll be in vain". Searching sleepy-eyed for a love that's vanished, being far from the ones you once loved, vowing to continue to love them, even if it's in vain.


3. "First Kiss"  - "How do we capture love that we need bad, let's start with that first kiss, the first time your lips touched mine, then remember that first night, the first time we opened a bottle of wine". Reminiscent of the popular duet "Picture" by Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock, male and female vocals going back and forth, each asking the other to think back to their first kiss, to remember the good times. Acoustic guitar, bass, drums, and lead guitar fill out the sound, each giving way to the other to allow dynamics and solo melodies.


4. "Date" - Ever been on a date that ended too soon? Or how about, a date that couldn't end soon enough? Gills describes a night out on the town, that doesn't stop at last call... good times that never stop. The drums begin this song with a cool rolling beat, leaving room for a melodic bass line, and lead guitar, with percussion shining with shaker throughout the song. In the vocals, there is a nice back and forth of "Grease-esque" moments between Kristine and Duane."Roll down the windows and try to sing along, if you ride with me, this date will never end".

5. "Faces" - Things slow down here on this ballad, allowing the listener to settle in and reflect.  Kristine is featured with lead vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, piano comes in after the first chorus and lead guitar. Each instrument playing a vital role to the overall production and emotional feel of the song. "Looking for the answers in all the wrong places, getting mad looking in the mirror, staring at my different faces".

6. "Dying to Stay Alive" - A song about grieving, and the aftermath of loss, or losing someone. "How am i supposed to move, how am i supposed to breathe, you were my girl, you were my everything", Duane sings. The song layers organ, bass, drums, acoustic guitar. doubled vocals in the chorus, a notable, impassioned, lead guitar solo.

7. "Tornado" - Soothing rain sounds, then upbeat acoustic guitar, drums pick up, electric bluesy guitar sections and walking bass lines. "Tornado" goes into the flip-side of a good relationship, the dirty underbelly that usually goes unseen when things go sour. "Storm came and went so fast, that the aftermath has been felt around here for days, maybe longer".

8. "Battered City"- Somber guitar chords, and forlorn vocals telling a story of a battered woman, running back into the arms of her abuser. This song ebbs and flows,  adding organ drums bass, great tight instrumental grooves and lead guitar riffs. "Is it okay for me to just walk away, that's the day your roses died.."

9. "Truth in a Bottle" -  Acoustic guitar and vocals start, as the full band comes in, trumpet is featured with lively melodies and rhythmic choices, also showcasing more lead guitar work that really brings this song to life."Is that truth in a bottle is so much easier to swallow than seeing myself for who i really am". A lot of people struggle with alcoholism and depression, and find it easier to reach for the bottle, than to face their demons or regrets head on. Duane sings of the human struggle of facing yourself while sober, finding the truth "easier to swallow" from the bottle.

10. "Gazebo Song"- Last but not least, we come full circle with a tune starting with bright piano and quickly falling  in with bass, guitar, and happy go lucky vocals. Great harmonies, and lead guitar solos, also one of the most notable choices on the album, having gang vocals on the last chorus, leading into a full on accapella sing along with the sound of the summer breeze blowing through wind chimes, and the subtle sounds of a backyard BBQ with friends. "Cut off jeans and flip flops are all you need to get by, leave your worry and stop and say hi".


Overall this album is a home run for Gills, taking us through a roller-coaster of emotions, and sharing deep honest lyricism through melodic full band productions. On their website, there is a picture featured with each track of their debut "Shadows of the Moon". Giving a visual insight to each song, and also making the album stand apart from others in the same genre. We look forward to hearing what's next from Gills, make sure to stream / consider purchasing their album on Bandcamp!

https://gillsband.bandcamp.com/album/shadows-of-the-moon-2 

[ Album Review ] Go-Go Sapien release "Love in Other Dimensions"

Artist: Go-Go Sapien
Album: Love in Other Dimensions
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  Go-Go Sapien is a psych- pop band from Melbourne Australia. The current line up of band members includes Will Hindmarsh, Emily Jarrett, Cal Walker, Iain Wilson, and Kalon Salter. Their music is influenced by post punk, surf music, and sci-fi film scores. In 2006 the band formed under a different name, The Great Apes, and performed extensively in Melbourne before releasing 2 albums, "Merman" in 2009, and "This Body is Wrong For Us" in 2011, through Popboomerang Records. Their live performances have been described as "visually dynamic, energetic and theatrical - characteristically featuring outlandish matching uniforms and live film projections." Go-Go Sapien have just released their latest album "Love in Other Dimensions", recorded in Northcote at Tender Trap Studios through Headquarter Records. Let's take a listen.

         On the intro track "The Imaginary Man" we are taken through the wormhole from our everyday reality, into a wildly vivid, sonic dimension full of layered synthesizers, organs, and effects. Things get sentimental on "Truth-Dare-Torture" , delayed snare hits, and deep heartbeat sounding kick. A heavy cloud of synth and organs, with vocals singing over top,  "To think of a live without love, what exactly were you dreaming of?". Vocals shine throughout the record, occasionally featuring female vocals as lead and adding harmonies. Reminiscent of the late David Bowie, and his alter ego "Ziggy Stardust".  the main singer's voice is crisp and focused, delivering powerful imagery of galactic proportions.

         Some other stand out tracks on the album are the punk inspired tune, "Winona", and the surf rock vibes of "Feel the Spirits (Juju Surf)". It's hard not to imagine sitting on the beach of another planet, red sand, green ocean waves.. the distant sounds of people talking and waves crashing while listening to this song. Overall, the entire collection is a beautiful work of art.  Listening to "Love in Other Dimensions" is like talking a walk through a museum. You will find yourself stopping to admire things about each piece, sitting down to reflect and connect with some, while also taking mental notes of others to go back to when you get home.

The best thing is... you can get your own copy of "Love in Other Dimensions" on their bandcamp, available now!

Go-Go Sapien on Bandcamp

[ EP Review ] Strange Attractor - Temenos

 

Artist: Strange Attractor
Album: Temenos

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 Earlier this year the Baltimore-based band Strange Attractor released their premier EP "Temenos".  The six members of Strange Attractor; Alejandro, Gino, Glenna, Grace, Jimi, and Scott create an enormous, moving, genre-fluid sound. On their three song EP you are taken on a colorful dynamic adventure that breaks away from the confines of the standard 3 minute pop songs you hear on the radio today. Strange Attractor seamlessly fuses indie rock, with psychedelic pop, along with reggae, art-rock, and jazz.  We thought their music was worthy of a review, and we hope you take the time to give them a listen online, or better yet, at a show! Their EP can be found on Spotify, Itunes, Bandcamp, and other streaming services as well.

Upcoming Shows:

Baltimore MD - November 10 @ The Crown FB EVENT

 
“Temenos”: Indie rock undertones, with 3-4 part harmonies, and a rock solid rhythm section, the EP makes a strong debut. Something I love about recordings is not being able to identify certain sounds. That usually comes from a talented band that knows exactly how to blend their instruments. Seven and a half minutes long, but never once did it feel like it was dragging. Enticing at every turn, like a hummingbird hovering over a flower, a constant melody with fluttering instruments and harmonies that move and progress dynamically with the song. Impressive instrumental sections, the electric guitar feature, followed by a strong saxophone lead, transforming back into a heavy guitar break down before diving into a reggae section.

“Coalesce”: Next we take a soothing, yet somber turn with "Coalesce". Imagine wandering through the rain with only the flashlight from your cellphone.Forlorn drum rolls on the snare, with piano and acoustic guitar filling the soundscape..Female vocals come in smooth and jazzy, and become interwoven, almost hypnotic at times.The intricate layers of guitar, piano, and drums builds with synth pads, and vocal "ooh’s". Ending with Rainstick sounds, descending piano, before the beautiful harmonies kick in singing “I need your love”.

“Coagulate”: Bringing this EP to a close, we are greeted with "Coagulate". This song is featured in the band's mesmerizing music video (see below). Entering with an eclectic drum and bass section, guitars and piano layer in adding movement and making room for horns and vocal fills. Male vocals, with layered female harmonies blend and build around the waves of sound and tones that build and crash giving the lyrics life and tangible energy. "Facilitate coagulation, Coagulate Imagination", interesting word play and melodies paint a vivid reggae pop soundscape. A far away island where the only sounds you hear are the birds and the breeze. Waves crashing on the sand like the different instruments and vocal harmonies.

Official Music Video "Coagulate":  

[ Interview ] Philadelphia Musician and Songwriter, Josh Miller!

Josh Miller is a singer songwriter, and multi -instrumentalist based out of Philadelphia PA. When he's not performing his original tunes, you can catch him playing with the alt-folk band Former Belle.  Make sure you check out his music on Facebook, Soundcloud, YouTube, Twitter. 

How do you take your coffee, tea? 

Cream and Sugar!

- can't go wrong there!

In this ever changing political climate, do you feel inspired to write, or do you feel overwhelmed?

Honestly my music is relatively introspective, so it really depends. It’s definitely really overwhelming to see what’s going on in this country, but it’s even more inspiring to see so many people marching and standing up for what they truly believe in. 

-that's a great way to look at things Josh, high fives for optimism!

Who were your 3 biggest musical influences in high school?

Underoath

Bon Iver

Bright Eyes

-but, who doesn't like Bon Iver, am i right?

Who are your 3 biggest musical influences right now?

Bon Iver (kind of anything Justin Vernon does…)

James Vincent McMorrow

My friends! (they make really great music)

- in the words of the aussie rocker Courtney Barnett in her tune "Are You Looking After Yourself" - "my friends play in bands, they are better than, everything on radio", we couldn't agree more.

Have you always lived in Philadelphia?

I grew up in Lower Moreland which is a suburb right outside of northeast philly, but I spent a lot of time taking the train to the city to go to shows. I also spent some time living in northern Colorado during high school. 

- that must've been a crazy transition from deserts and mountains, to suburbs and city trains, always great for the artist perspective

If you had a friend come from out of town wanting to see the city, where would you take them first?

I’d probably take them to Bourbon & Branch because the food is amazing and there’s usually a good show happening!

- A++ choice

What’s your favorite song you’ve ever written? ( and why?)

My favorite song as of right now that I’ve written is a song called “Visitors”. It sat on my computer in an Ableton project for about a year, and then one night everything kind of came together. It starts with a really simple chord progression and then by the end it swells into this big orchestral arrangement. Musically and lyrically it’s a song that was super different for me and has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone. 

- go ahead, give it a listen, it's so so good. 

 

Anything you’d like to share with us? (Upcoming shows, singles, projects, fun facts)

Right now I’m working on either a series of EPs or an LP and I can’t make up my mind because I have musical A.D.D.

March 19th I’ll be playing a set at The Barbary with my good buddies from Nashville called The Middle Ground. They’re on tour supporting their new record “Start Again” and it’s really great!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1738177446497288/

- we can't wait to hear your upcoming releases, thank you for taking the time to talk with us. I'm sure it won't be the last time. Cheers. 

[ Album Review ] GREYE - The Worrier

Artist: GREYE
Album: The Worrier
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GREYE is a Progressive Americana band from Daytona Beach, FL. They are made up of four permanent members; Hannah Summer on vocals, Jett Wolfe on guitar and vocals, Josh Reid on the bass and vocals, Ray Grimard on drums and percussion. When touring schedules permit, Ken-e Williams joins the mix on Keyboard and vocals. GREYE has played many stages, large and small, including festival showcases, and songwriting competitions. A big band, with a big sound, we look forward to all that is to come for GREYE. Here's our review of their newest release "The Worrier"

TRACK BY TRACK 

A Little Honesty – An upbeat start to a fantastic album. Bass, organ and electric guitars build and leave space for  vocals, and surf like guitar sways in and out, harmonies help create a powerhouse chorus “What it all comes down to, if you choke, if you’re broke, you come back swinging” Picture yourself strutting down the street like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever on a warm summer night, moving to the beat of this modern R&B rock fusion jam. A song about being completely honest, boiling things down to nothing, and building everything back up from an unwavering foundation.

Tell A Little Lie – Acoustic guitar leads us into this next track, the band adding layers of sound as vocals set in smooth and powerful, telling it like it is, while also telling a little lie here and there. The rest of the band comes in to sing the chorus “Tell a little lie”, as you’re sucked back into the groove. The song continues to build and build, with a vibrant electric guitar solo, flowing synthesizers, all the while the chorus is coming back swinging, each time with a little more force.

The Worrier – “Give me a sign that will stop my heart from aching over that man” a descending groove “they say all wounds heal with time, but how does it heal when it’s not real” strong female vocals reminiscent of Carrie Underwood sing of a love gone awry. Dynamically shifting with percussive acoustic guitar, to electric guitars and heavier drum beats, piano and strings shine at the bridge laying a smooth foundation for the last chorus to bring the lyrics of the song full circle. A woman angry that she ever wasted time and energy “worrying over that man”. While also shedding a bit of honesty, maybe showing that despite everything the feelings are still there ...“I live and I die over that man”

Don’t Lose Your Cool – Deep snare hits, combined with funky lead and rhythm guitars weave in and out between the singers vocals. “The secret is out, do you still want me? I want you” ... “I have been a sinner, I never claimed to be a saint” Seductive, flirtatious lyrics, a conversation between two lovers, trying to play it cool, but find assurance in their mutual love. The harmonies in the bridge, with hypnotic ascending bass riff that drive the whole band. “Don’t lose your cool, the secret is out” One of the finest moments on “The Worrier”, seamlessly transitioning back into the funky feel of the beginning, like a drop of dew rolling of a leaf after fresh rain into the grass below.

She’s Crazy – “a scavenger for conflict” a man always looking for more, and a woman who is “swinging at the fence” saying she’s been knocking at his door since the day he stopped calling. A lyrical story unfolds of past lovers, a man who made the mistake of being with one woman before finding out she was crazy “she’s crazy but I guess you never know”. The pitfalls of love tend to make the best songwriting material. “There’s a sunset in the distance, and a curtain drawing closed”.

Everything – pretty acoustic guitar and piano flow together nicely to start this tune. We are introduced to a male singer, strong, with a subtle rasp quality to his voice. Blending perfectly in harmony with the female vocals. A song about the "What if's?" in life. A rockin’ duet, chilling with honesty. The male singer reassuring and calm with “everything is going to fall into place”, the female singer asking, concerned “what if we fall short”. Warm sustained bass notes round out the last verse, bringing this sweet-natured song to a close.

Solitary Man – things slow down, the mood darkens for a moment, as to reflect the life of a lonely, solitary man. “I have seen him wander, and I’ve peered into his soul, there is no life for the lonely man, and that’s the way it goes” asking the question “is there room in there for me? Solidarity haunts me”. A sad life is no life to share, but they say misery loves company... The bridge builds with some call and response vocals, building synth strings, and tom rolls. A chorus of eerie vocals bring up the intensity, creating an ominous beautiful harmony section.

Tip of the Iceberg - (personal favorite) soft acoustic guitar intro, vocals really cut through the mix, soft and sweet, almost Celtic woman-esque. “Are you sure we’re there yet? I have doubts that this cruel world will bring us back alive, so let me go before you say the words, you’d never know what one question could be worth, I will be here for better or worse, the time before commitment is just the tip of the iceberg”.  The harmonies reach into your chest in an attempt to pull back your rib cage and pull at your heartstrings. A woman in love who is questioning making a big commitment, for fear of losing everything they’ve worked so hard to build. Electric guitar and strings float through the airwaves like clouds out of a typewriter airplane. “When you jump you may not reach the other side”

Use Me (Bill Withers Cover) – Right Back into the groove, they pay homage to the great Bill Withers, with a band so tight and funky, and a rhythm section that can truly hold it down, this feels like it could’ve been their song. Singer’s voice is soulful, sassy, and emotive. Harmonies are the highlight of this cover, perfectly blended and strong, yet subtle. They slay through the breakdowns, showing off their musical chops.

Dirty Work – aggressive beat, and dissonant chords with fast paced lyrics, and warm distorted lead guitar. “This is Dirty work, not a cloud in the sky” vocals switch around with harmonies, highlighting lyrics in the verses and chorus. Sweet, powerful moving vocals. Ooohs, and male / female vocals blended in dark perfection. Like dark chocolate and sea salt.

I, I, I – fun dance beat, swinging cymbals, bass drops out as vocals enter the mix. “I am the subject of every conversation, every word is a freckle of blood boiling under my skin” “What are you going to do with your life, that is what they ask as they’re twisting the knife, why don’t you let me do what I like, I , I , I!” A song any artist or musician can relate to. I think the commonality of choosing to chase a creative career versus say a steady career in sales, or medicine. People live vicariously, and appreciate musicians for their adventurous spirit, but sometimes lack tact when questioning the lifestyle that surrounds those kind of choices. Electric guitar lead is impressive and descending, while still allowing the singer to be the powerhouse and dig into the "I, I, I's" A great progressive pop tune. 

The Problem With Us – Another fun start, the band gravitating to surfy beach vibes. Synth and electric guitar shine throughout the breaks of this song. “The problem with us is, I’m in love with that man, you waited too long I’m afraid” Describing people who don’t pull the trigger, they take too long to court, or don’t give you the attention you deserve til someone else starts picking up the slack. Bass grooves underneath keeping everything flowing and warm. Like falling asleep next to a campfire on a crisp autumn night.

Zombie (The Cranberries Cover) – The last track on "The Worrier" comes from another adaptation of a classic tune! The singer pulls inspiration for the lead singer of the Cranberries, harnessing her falsetto and vibrato, and they reconstruct the rhythm of Zombie to create a slightly different feel. The subtle changes in the percussion and bass does just enough to put their rendition apart from the original. This is a song, similar to Bill Wither's "Use Me" that would do really well live for this band, and as a perk, is a great finale to an explosive, well produced album by a seasoned band. “What’s In Your Head”, hopefully it's this album on repeat. 

Make sure to grab a copy of "The Worrier" for yourself!
http://greyemusic.com/ 

Watch GREYE on YouTube: 

[ Album Review ] Soft Ledges - Debut Album

Artist: Soft Ledges
Self Titled Debut Album
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Chicago alternative goth-rockers Shelley Miller, and Chris Geisler make up the band Soft Ledges. When performing live, they can be seen with drummer Raul Cotaquispe. Together they are a dynamic three piece, raw with talent, vibrant vocal prowess, and intensely dark and intriguing subject matter. Miller and Geisler have been involved in many musical projects, including TAFKAV, and The Hamburglers... in 2015 Soft Ledges was born. One year later they have honed in their unique sound with engineer John Abbey at Kingsize Soundlabs, and are set to take the masses by storm. Featuring guitar, bass, drums, piano, and a vast array of pedals and ghostly sounds, it’s an endlessly charming and poignant debut release. 

Soft Ledges: Track by Track

La Nina – A brooding, yet uplifting start to an immensely brave and honest record. “When your bones hit the river, you’re just another girl in the water” Singer and songwriter Shelley Miller paints haunting visuals with her lyrics, shaking your thoughts, piercing the soundscape with her smooth powerful vocals. Moody sustained guitars, pleasantly haunting piano, and a bass line undertow like the anchor of a wooden ship, effortlessly navigating through stormy seas. 

Tear Me Down – “Tear me down, build me up backwards... it’s the only way to understand” Boasting an exciting arrangement, Tear Me Down is easily one of our personal favorite's off the album. Greeted with a bass line ripping through the mix like a slingshot, followed by a driving progressive drum beat. You feel like a ripped up baseball being flung through the air at your neighbors window, bracing for the glass to shatter. Lyrically this song is very fun, Miller toys with classic nursery rhymes, making you do a double take as you see these seemingly harmless words in a new light. 



Orion – “Orion, Orion” rustling wind chimes on an autumn day, the stray tabby cat peeking through the holes in your neighbors fence, distant doorbells ring as it starts to lightly rain, people start to go inside “and the white noise, is a lion’s roar” . A sentimental sensitive ballad, prying at your rib cage, finding its way to your heartstrings to pluck them one by one, before placing your heart back gently, exactly as it was, if not just a little warmer than before.

Deer Fly Blues – Miller's voice really shines on this track, Hi hats decorate the soundscape among ambient guitars, attitude, The energy is tangible, full of calm agony, a forlorn tale of revenge, “God Bless your broken bones”. The build ups and break downs in this song are the mark of a dynamically powerful band.  Flight of the Deer fly, exerting every ounce of energy on tiny wings, firing on all cylinders. The song climaxes with an intense musical interlude, like a ravenous swarm of insects so dense the sky changes it's shade. 

The Bells and You Beneath – Dark and thunderous, a funeral march for the villain. The skies open up and pour out black rain, soaking the ground in a coat of oil, sealing the dead underneath, before tossing a match to torch the hollowed grounds. “When you go up you’re not coming down”. Drums and distorted wailing guitars build and crash, feverous birds swooping out with threatening screams just out of earshot. Lowering the body down, a casket full to the brim with black roses. 

Long Way to the Ground – (personal favorite) This song shows a different musical side to Soft Ledges, leaning more to the Folk / Americana genres then the rest of the album. A tranquil finger-picked guitar intro, layered next with shaker percussion drops in with the bass that creates a moving harmonious vibe. “It’s just a short fuse in your mind, so give up the fight against every little thing you can’t do right, It’s a long way to the ground, and you’re never going to get back up until you come down” We all fail at some point in our lives, but not everyone hits rock bottom. It’s a long way to the ground, and in a way, that's a very comforting thought. 


(photos © David Sameshima)

Seven Stories – Aggressive, distorted guitars and cymbals flying. Reminiscent of The Kills, Dead Weather. Miller sings “hands on my shoulder you keep me from running… I can’t give you anything you want”. Some people are hard to please, and at a certain point everyone gets fed up with that tug of war. This song feels like the cold splash of water, the break in the chain, the last ounce of strength needed to get out of a toxic relationship.

Highlight Reel – Somber, forlorn feelings of dread swell and fall as electric guitar and bowed bass embrace your ears like the first taste of winter, bundled under blankets. “When the stars go out, you don’t have to tell them how to shine…” Unrequited love, might be better than to love and then told there never was a love. Denying denial, Miller screams at the top of her lungs “It Was Love” over and over again, sending chills through the airwaves. The song keeps playing, as if to say, even when you’re hurting, and you finally say what’s on your mind, life still goes. A hopeless, very human feeling. 

Don’t Wait – Bouncy, tap house piano, and in your face vocals, you feel like you're hanging around past last call, the bartender knows you by your first name. Lyrics warning you to stop procrastinating on love if you have it. Don’t wait, it might not always be there “Change is gonna come for you, don’t wait, change things if you can”. Romanticizing a life without loneliness, a life being there for the people you care about.  Unconditional sincerity, and sacrifice. The fundamentals of good, meaningful relationships & friendships are the kind of things Miller's sings not to let pass you by. 

Ladder – ”When the ladder ascends...” the last song off Soft Ledges self-titled release is suspenseful, and full of intrigue. Hypnotic bass lines that blend like Bailey's and coffee. Swells of ambient guitar and eerie, childlike piano, snare rolls descending into more and more dissonance and erratic stokes, like the journey back home for a stray dog, wandering through puddled alleyways, an adventure at every turn.

Soft Ledges self- titled debut album will be available November 18, 2016 on iTunes, CDBaby, Bandcamp, and their website: www.softledges.com You can even get a vinyl copy in January 2017. 

Bio from Soft Ledges Website:
  Chicago's Soft Ledges make dark, angular, delicate music with the belief that the secret to lost is found and the only way in is through. Formed in 2015 by songwriter Shelley Miller (vox/piano/guitar) and Chris Geisler (bass), the band (joined at live shows by drummer Raul Cotaquispe) is set to release their self-titled debut album November 18.
     Miller and Geisler, both veterans of the Chicago music scene (Miller as a singer/songwriter, Geisler in the Hamburglars, TAFKAV and several other punk bands), started Soft Ledges with a mission to make brave, honest music beyond the bounds of genre...and to challenge the self-perceived limits of what they were "allowed" to do as musicians and people.
The result?  Miller's fevered, urgent whispers and screams on La Niña and Seven Stories.  Geisler's bowed electric bass, awash in reverb, on Highlight Reel. Fingerpicking and distortion pedals.  Last call, last chance lullabies.
   Inspired by artists like Vic Chesnutt, Kristin Hersh and Thee Silver Mt. Zion, Miller and Geisler holed up in a practice space for a winter, teasing new noises out of pedals, drums, mouths, bows and strings, and arranging the ten songs that would become their first album. The songs, all penned by Miller, are steeped in loss (death, abuse, depression), but also in hope, and the idea of 'living through what kills you.'
     "I went through a period, right before we were working on these songs, where I lost some people I was close to - several friends and grandparents - and a couple others were dealing with life-changing illnesses, and someone I cared about was telling me that everything I did was wrong on a regular basis," says Miller.  "And at first I went numb, and then I threw myself in to finding my voice on the drums and with pedals and just making music that feels as alive and visceral as possible."