"The Banyans, in case you're not yet familiar, are an absolutely adorable local pop band that makes charming little songs with a 1968 Brazilian ukulele..."
"Named for the banyan trees that Andy Fitts climbed as a boy in Hawaii, his band The Banyans proffer pared-down indie pop songs just as idyllic as a childhood spent on an island paradise sounds."
"...love ballad "Every Waking Minute" is so saccharine that it's cloying. (Then again, even in this economy I'd bet money the song'd make a girl less cynical swoon.)"
"Andy Fitts' affection for his 1968 Brazilian ukulele adds a winsome touch to his songs, which surely distinguishes the Banyans from Seattle's myriad other pop bands."
-Seattle Weekly, Sara Brickner
"Local boys The Banyans are not your typical Seattle pop band. With a 1968 Brazilian ukulele in tow, The Banyans self-released an intricate and brilliantly polished self-titled album.
The sound seems to be drawn from myriad influences. Frontman Andy Fitts grew up in Hawaii, and the album has a tangible island influence. The Banyans also has a woodsy sound that adds something very northwest to the overall feel of the album. As a whole, the sound can be described as Sea Change-era Beck on a very relaxing Pacific island vacation (This is especially prevalent in the opening track “Across the Bow” and the dreamy “Safely Back to You”).
The subjects of the song vary, from the longing and regretful “Every Waking Minute”, a song about missing his lost love. The lyrics are sweet, and would make any girl (as corny as myself) swoon. There’s also piano-heavy “Chariot”, a kind of lyrically baffling song that seems to be from the point of view of a religious zealot trying to convert someone, ending with warning about the apocalypse. “At last we saw from above/The chariot coming down with blood/And Fire”
The Banyans is a very enjoyable album. Their sound is distinctive, but fits in very well with the overall Seattle pop scene. The album is available for free download."
i just got an email about how someone enjoyed the banyans much and thanked me for putting it on my page so they could discover you. i think that's worth a comment. awesomeee.
the sdot needs to get on that and just convert denny into a permanent waterslide. so much more convenient and fun then walking! stoked to for next weekend. much love fitty. c.
Andy! I was just in Seattle staying at David Terry's (with What Made Milwaukee Famous) for 2 days just last week...I can't believe I missed you!! I bought several more records for The Beatles collection (re-issues, Apple pressings)...oh, it's getting massive!! Keep in touch for sure!
