LANGHORNE SLIM & THE LAW
10/16/2012
Visulite Theatre (16+ (Must have ID) - Under 16 with Parent Only)
Doors Open: 8:00 - Headliner Begins: 9:45
Langhorne Slim – Vocals/Guitar : Malachi DeLorenzo - Drums : Jeff Ratner – Bass : David Moore – Keys/Banjo
It is a special time for Langhorne Slim as he is so proud to announce and present Be Set Free, his mighty third album being released by Kemado Records. One of the most endearing and standout qualities of Slim’s live shows is the sureness that one is always entering a genuine gospel-like musical experience full of little miracles. Be Set Free has captured this charisma and spirit -the “hold your heart” moments and “raise a drink” dance vibes shine throughout with lush string arrangements and the fine sonic talents of drummer Malachi DeLorenzo, new bassist Jeff Ratner and new keyboard/banjo player David Moore. Langhorne’s stronger than ever vocals lead the journey blending his poetry through the beautiful chaos and bearing a wisdom that reflects a broken heart battling the perils of true hope.
Be Set Free is Langhorne’s most cinematic and cohesive effort to date. Slim has truly reached a point of light where these songs come from wide-eyed maturity and mastered craft.
Gut wrenching lyrics and gorgeous merry melodies-it would be easy to categorize it as folk, but this time-it’s much more complex than just that slice of pie. Sweet hallelujah choruses bleed throughout tracks like “Land Of Dreams” and “Say Yes” and turn to the darkness of blues filled “I Love You, But Goodbye”.
Be Set Free was produced by Chris Funk (member of Decemberists) who also played various instruments on the record in Portland, OR. The album also features several guest musicians including Sam Kassirer (from Josh Ritter’s band), Erika Wennerstrom (from Heartless Bastards) and Laura Veirs. The album was mixed by Tucker Martine who has recently worked with greats like Sufjan Stevens and R.E.M.
Needless to say ’tis been a non stop journey of excitement for Langhorne Slim. Since March 2008, the band have headlined over 150 shows and played major festivals such as Lollapalooza, Bumbershoot, Austin City Limits Festival, Newport Folk Fest, Sunset Junction, Pickathon, Rhythm and Roots, and SXSW. The band garnered heavy acclaim for their performance of “Restless” on the David Letterman show and were WXPN’s artist of the month. This spring, the band will be touring the US and Europe including a US tour with the Drive-By Truckers in April.
THE LAST BISON
Start Time: 8:30
The Last Bison’s mountain-top chamber music combines elements of alternative indiefolk with classical sensibilities. Incorporating traditional folk instruments with a reed organ, percussion and classical strings, The Last Bison creates a unique hybrid sound that defies pigeonholing the band. Ben Hardesty’s (vocals and guitar) songwriting bears sonic resemblance to groups such as Fleet Foxes, Mumford and Sons and The Decemberists.
The music of this seven-member band grew organically in the family living room and around backyard bonfires giving it a rootsy quality and yet the complex arrangements and refined strings seem just as appropriate in a symphony hall.
Folkhive stated, “Dare I say that The Last Bison is to folk what Arcade Fire is to indie rock? Boasting 7 members and a sound seemingly born on the tree covered mountain tops of Virginia The Last Bison lays down expansive and yet imminently listenable folk with an original feel I’ve not experienced in quite some time”.
The band was featured on Noisetrade in May 2012 and since that time has had over 21,000 downloads of their independent album Quill. Noisetrade stated ““The Last Bison’s songs ebb and flow with powerful rhythmic surges, lush instrumental passages, rich vocal harmonies and deceivingly complex arrangements. While this is never exactly an easy thing to do, it’s even harder to accomplish when you’ve got a stage full of folks rivaling Arcade Fire or The Polyphonic Spree.” The blog “Independent Clauses” stated, “The Last Bison’s
debut album Quill uses the seriousness of Fleet Foxes’ grounded sound as a framework, layering strings, bells and more on top. “Iscariot” and “The Woodcutter’s Son” have a darkly pastoral bent that recalls pre-The King is Dead Decemberists.”
