Antlers and Anchors is the hairy "alt-folk" musical beast of Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist/composer/producer Michael-Owen Liston, performed by the same.
Finding joy in many different musical milieux, Antlers and Anchors wanders happily through the pastures of contemporary chamber-folk, en route to twiggy thickets of various roots musics. Genre lines are gently trampled underhoof, as Michael's improvisational sensibilities collide with his unique clawhammer banjo style.
As a doublebassist and banjoist, Michael has performed with a colourful cast of songwriters, poets, and musical ensembles of all sizes and stripes from across Canada. (To check out that list, head over to Michael's "sideman site")
The Dream of the Dead Caribou EP reveals the diverse influences of many of these musical colleagues, past and present, but also finds him stepping into a musical voice that he has made all his own.
Well, not quite all his own. Keeping very good and formidable company on the EP are Christine Bougie (lap steel and guitars), Doug Tielli (trombone, xylophone), Mariah Burton (vocals), and Lesley Hoyles (vocals). Dave Clark (The Rheostatics, Woodchoppers Association) co-produces and brings his own special magic to the table.
Antlers and Anchors will be commencing a music subscription series in June '09; more news as it is fit to print.