Gary McFarlane
Will Purtill
Paul Bermingham
Niall Jackson
Influences
Wilco, Elliott Smith, Neil Young,
The National, Jim O'Rourke, Nick Drake,
Bob Dylan, Radiohead, The Kingsbury Manx, Beck,
Grizzly Bear, Mogwai, Califone,
Will Oldham, Pavement, Leonard Cohen,
Yo La Tengo, Loose Fur, The Velvet Underground,
Sparklehorse, Iron & Wine,
Eels, Spoon, Deus, Tom Waits...
**NEW REVIEWS**:
"this four-piece band offers nothing short of spectacular material on its second release of 2008. With an unparalleled sound that’s clearly ambitious for such a new act, On the Trail… plants a new seed of admiration and an eagerness to learn what is yet to come from Autumn Owls."
- Amplifier Magazine(US)
"The bleak heart of Autumn Owls’ 2008 debut Insomnia Lodge EP remains, but here we find the sound richer, their intent persuasive and the blood pumping darker. The arrangements are complex but never to the point of confusion. In fact, it’s purposeful and absorbing... with On The Trail.., we find that they are continuing to explore the immersive depth of their talent."
- AU Magazine
"On the Trail of the Disappearing is a statement of strong intent: Songs such as A Thousand Blind Windows, Raindrops in the River and Childhood Slideshow fuse tension with subtlety; there is a rock vibe but it’s tempered with smart, not-too complicated arrangements that belie the band’s age and experience."
- The Irish Times
"Autumn owls are an evolving musical entity. Yet they already display a courage and deftness of touch that places them ahead of bands with more exalted reputations. That’s because Autumn Owls operate on the fringe, where they’re under no obligation to please crowds, industry moguls or radio programmers. It’s an exciting time to be in a band at this stage of development as Autumn Owls’ earlier, folksier sound mutates into something edgier and tougher."
- Evening Herald
"Freshly pressed and currently on the shelves, Autumn Owls new EP On The Trail Of The Disappearing proves they've had a productive year. Its their second EP, following on from the Insomnia Lodge EP. Akin to that release, its a dark, atmospheric album miles ahead of their formative state."
- The Star
"One of the most unusual bands in Ireland at the moment is Autumn Owls, who released an excellent debut EP, Insomnia Lodge, this year. Their second EP, On The Trail Of The Disappearing, packs no less punch......bleak and experimental"
- News Of The World
A Thousand Blind Windows is the first song off the new EP ”On The Trail Of The Disappearing” to be released December 12th 2008
Autumn Owls are Gary McFarlane, William Purtill, Paul Bermingham and Niall Jackson. They craft songs that are, according to reviews, "intoxicating", "haunting", "utterly absorbing" and "unique".
The band released their debut EP titled "Insomnia Lodge" in May 2008 to much acclaim. In December 2008 they released their second EP "On The Trail Of The Disappearing", produced by Ciaran Bradshaw.
ON THE TRAIL OF THE DISAPPEARING EP (released December 12th 2008)
1. A Thousand Blind Windows
2. Raindrops In The River
3. The Wolf By The Mountain
4. Bad Blood
5. Childhood Slideshow
" A lovely blend of acoustic folky based sounds, rootsy americana and a bit of the post rock epic sounds of radiohead. Its a lovely meeting of old and new sounds where rootsy folk meets post rock" -Road Records
" A brooding, rich sound of acoustic guitars, subtle keyboard and husky vocals make for some haunting listening. autumn owls are utterly absorbing, 7/10" -Channel 4 Planet Sound
" At their core they're acoustic based americana tunes and come with all the accoutrements attached to that label; harmonicas, the sound of plectrums being dragged along guitar strings, and whatnot but what really makes them work is how they're wrapped up in droney synths, melodicas and ambient guitar noise" -Thrill Pier
" These four young Dubliners have enormous potential. Some of it is a bit like Nick Drake’s older brother singing for an experimental Wilco. Other parts are unique. It’s subtle and interesting, and despite the complicated song structures they don’t get too self-indulgent . A Fantastic debut, 4/5" -News Of The World
