The following people played on the record:
Paul Brandt (vocals, keys, guitars, banjo)
Brian Wells (upright and electric basses) Dave Power (drums and percussion) Scott Hayden (electric and acoustic guitars) Mike Noyce (background vocals and harmonica)
Emma Adler (background vocals) Eric Rykal (background vocals) Shane McLaughlin (electric bass)
Influences
Bon Iver, DeYarmond Edison, Ryan Adams, Wilco, Feist, Death Cab, The Shins, Elliott Smith, The Postal Service, Bright Eyes, Iron & Wine, Ben Folds, Pete Yorn, The Wallflowers, Trevor, Eric, Kyle, Mike.
As a direct result of a failed band and an indirect result of a web of connections that has its roots deep in the formative years of high school, Eau Claire based singer-songwriter Paul Brandt has emerged onto the local scene in many forms throughout the last year and a half. At a mere nineteen, Brandt has found time between manning his duties at the keyboard for such bands as Meridene, The Gentle Guest and now-defunct Fine to create his own project under the name Cranes & Crows. Originally meant to be nothing more than a recording project, it became evident that the songs being put to tape were meant for more than just demo status.
After six months of writing, recording, rehashing, naming, and renaming, Brandt, with the help of some friends, created an album - a collection of ten chilling and carefully crafted songs. This debut, entitled Blame Winter, is a portrayal of loss during the harshest of seasons. With each song, listeners are brought closer to understanding a longing felt for someone nearby, but distant in every way, and the hope that can shine through the cold frost of a Wisconsin winter.
Blame Winter's sound seems to pick up right where Brandt's first and former band, Fine, left off. Acoustic guitars and pianos are prevalent throughout, with the occasional banjo and upright bass anchoring most of the tracks. Recorded in bedrooms, basements, and churches, the album has a comfortable, lived-in quality that compliments the instrumentation.
Brandt is now looking to the future with this project and has planned to remain true to its name for as long as possible, with the prospects of more recording and touring in the seasons to come.
PRESS: "... this is as impressive a first album I’ve heard in years ... a stellar debut from a stellar record label." - Side One: Track One (05.31.08)
"... sparse, and beautiful, and if you don’t feel the gentle tug on your heartstrings, you might want to check your back for an on/off switch you goddamn dirty robot ..." - Side One: Track One (03.29.08)
"... Blame Winter is a gem from start to finish ... Cranes & Crows take us into a moment in time in that Wisconsin winter and leave us never wanting to come home." - Burn The Bowery (03.28.08)
"... [So It Goes], from Blame Winter, is a perfectly wistful and yearning little gem ..." - Pop Headwound (03.25.08)
"... [the] writing is far from amateur with poignant lyrics and a disarming sense of charm ..." - Smother
"... [So It Goes] is right in my wheelhouse, and I guarantee you'll love the last minute and a half at the very least." - Lines Through Lines (03.17.08)
"... there's a bit of Bon Iver in the production, a bit of Elliott Smith in its sparseness, some 70s James Taylor in the vocals, a touch of Nick Drake in the guitar, and more than a little of the long, cold Wisconsin winter that no doubt inspired the whole thing." - Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands (03.13.08)
"... it's sparse, emotive and quiet with acoustic guitar and piano driving most all the songs ..." - My Old Kentucky Blog (03.10.08)
"... Blame Winter seems tailor-made for spring cleaning ... full of wispy banjo lines, twinkling pianos, and dusty, unpolished drums ... Brandt sounds like someone you've known your whole life." - Volume One (02.28.08)
Way back in Feb, you asked if we were playing any shows around here. Thanks much for the interest. We are booked at the Acoustic for July 11th. Check us out and I can rummage up a CD for ya. By the way, where can I get a hold of a copy of Blame Winter?
dude, if you see Eric tell him to check his email and let me know if we're still on for this coming weekend. Word. How's EC this summer? How was that Acoustic Cafe gig? Did you play solo?
Thanks again for joining us on the program monday,thanks for the disc too! Don't forget, anytime you feel like stoppin' by,the door is open(if not, call me and I'll come down and let you in).
Alright so I caught most of you tonight. I got kind of distracted writing, but then I got back on track. Anyway, I always say this, but your music is incredible. Thanks for being a musician? haha
John Nielsen sent me a request, i guess he saw me on Bon Iver's page. I saw you on his and i was curious as to who you were. You play beautiful music. I love it.
No worries. I was also playing on going to see that Wars show next week until this Cabin gig came up really last minute (some other band cancelled so Tani and I are filling in). That's going to be a sweet show. I dig Koza and Messersmith too.
If I give you $10 will you pick me up a copy of their disc? I didn't have any cash on me at the last Nuc show (which by the by was sweet even though there were only like 20 people there).
I'll check that track out. I haven't listened much to their first one. Normally I like to do things in order but Silent Signs has been too good to turn off for like 3 days.
Thanks for adding Rambles. NET to your friends' list!
Hey, if you would like your music to be considered for a feature on our site, be sure to send a couple of review CDs our way. (You can find the mailing address on our page.) We love to share new music with our readers!
Well, the voice of sleep added me and I think I saw wake up poland, it's nine o clock on their top, so I check that out, added them, and than i clicked on pauls link or some shit and found you guys.
