Will Markwardt—vocals, guitars, keyboards, harmonica, banjo, autoharp.
Brian Voerding—keyboards, trumpets, guitars, and thankfully no more drum machines.
Jonathan Waldo—viola, synthesizers, mandolin, found objects, bells.
Anthony Poretti - drums, Rhodes
Will Garrison - bass, studio zipper
Influences
People who make noise and then learn to turn that noise into music.
Sounds Like
Every band and musician we've ever heard and loved or been fascinated with. We're never sure, and that's honest. Listen. Maybe you can tell us.
The Absent Arch — War Window
War Window, our five-song single previewing our upcoming full record, is now available. It includes rough mixes of three songs from the record--'War Window', 'Little Kids' and 'Ants'--plus a live recording of 'Weathervane' and 'Devil's Blues', which Will recorded in his bedroom all by his lonesome. We think $3 is fair ($2 shipping if you're far away from us), although if you find us at a show and buy us beer, we'll give one to you for free. Lots of them, maybe.
Track List:
1. War Window
2. Little Kids
3. Weathervane (Live at the Turf Club)
4. Devil's Blues
5. Ants
Best fan quote to date sent to our MySpace inbox, re: April Turf Club show:
"Waldo, when you hit the deck rocking out on the violin, I nearly shit my pants laughing. You rule- high 5."
Best description of band member, by band member (Anthony, speaking of Waldo): "He's the Wade Boggs of aggressive folk viola." (see photo, top left).
Here's what we put in our press kits (not that we've made many, but still): The Absent Arch plays music with roots in restlessness. Echoes of traditional folk blend with melodies from a singing-and-grinding viola, whispers and noises from electric guitars, synthesizer harmonies and drum polyrhythms. The Absent Arch redefines the traditional songwriter performance into delicately textured songs ranging from pop and folk to electronic.
We're spending practically every night in our basement working on our first recording. Not much to show you yet but soon.
Thanks for listening.
Here's a version of 'forest played at the Cafe Montmartre August 21 in Madison, Wis., with our friend, tourmate (and much more accomplished musician) Will Garrison singing with Will. Many thanks to Kiki Schueler for the video.
This weekend is going to be a cosmic meshing of beautiful weather, the delicious aroma of food, stellar live music, and Will's new haircut. I can't wait.
Do you ever find yourself feeling somewhat unrefined?
un·re·fined [uhn-ri-fahynd] –adjective: coarse or crude; lacking in refinement of taste, feeling, manners, language, etc.
I have brand new music that may help. :-)
By the way, I'm a student at Institute of Production and Recording. I read that you're recording an album or EP or something. If you're looking for any help on that let me know.
HONEYMOON VIII THIS FRIDAY!!
Also in-store at Robot Love with free drinks ;) from 4-6PM with Trash
Yourself, Dance Robots Dance, and The Moon Goons.
More info at moongoons. com
