Weakerthans, Ben Lee, Elliott Smith, Pavement, The National, Modest Mouse, The Shins, Iron and Wine, Archers of Loaf, Bright Eyes, The Mountain Goats, Neutral Milk Hotel, Band of Horses, Ted Leo, Death Cab for Cutie, The Folk Implosion, Hayden, The Pixies, Pinback, Sigur Ros... lots of good stuff.
Fiesta Brava mines a particular sound half born of folk and half born of punk, which results in a warm, dramatic form of what people are calling “indie rock” these days. Fiesta Brava is interested in literate and emotive pop music, marrying tuneful melodies with cathartic and insightful lyrics. The band’s sound ranges from hushed songs featuring banjo and almost-whispered vocals to driving rhythms with mounting guitar freakouts. The vocal harmonies of Chris Rea and Ray Keane are both effortless and engaging, and the band’s arrangements ensure a dynamic and dramatic performance.
Fiesta Brava’s origins sprung from a chance meeting between Chris Rea, formerly of punksters The Westies and The Eleventh Hour, and Ray Keane. The two had their first music session on March 9, 2007. Ray’s son was born the next morning, one week early. Taking it as a sign, Chris and Ray started seriously considering writing songs together, and soon they had written a couple of songs that had them very excited about the prospect of forming a band. After much discussion and more than a few good beers, they decided to invite others to play. Chris cleaned out his basement and hung some rugs, Ray strung up the obligatory Xmas lights, and a rehearsal space was born. In January, Matt Snow joined as drummer. In March, Jeff Steblea of Mystics Anonymous joined, playing bass guitar. Friend and keyboardist Pat Garland also began playing with the band, and continues to do so as a “special guest”
whenever possible.
Once fully formed, Fiesta Brava quickly began playing shows in Western and Central Massachusetts with a number of bands whom they admire. The band also released its first CD, the six-song Ship to Shore, in July. The CD can be found online in most major and independent outlets, as well as download and streaming sites such as iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon.com, Emusic, and Rhapsody.
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The final 90 seconds of "Shadow Show," taken at the EP release show on 7.18.08. Thanks again to everyone who came out, hope you enjoyed it!
Doomstar! Micro Colors Tour Thur. March 12th @ Sierra Grille Northampton MA Fri. March 13th @ Cherry St. Station, Wallingford CT Sat. March 14th @ The Penalty Box Providence RI Sun. March 15th @ Fontana's New York, NY
Thanks so much for being a part of this years Happy Valley Showdown. Alot of new people got to see you and were commenting all night to me about your set. I just hope you had fun.
A little late from us, but just wanted to say a million thank you's to Fiesta Brava for a great show at the Monkey. What a way to end the night. Let's do it again some time.
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