For a band frequently described as ‘driving music’, collisions would be something to steer clear of. However, the formula for a new record seemed ironically hidden inside the collision of many opposing forces.
Hauntario is the sophomore recording by this western Canadian indie-alt-country band, an evolved collection of songs brimming with the layered tensions of their lives, played out between albums.
The record itself was named for two colliding concepts that continued to bubble to the surface. Robb Angus tells us “From the very beginning, the first songs possessed a haunting quality, dark subject matter and melodies that wouldn’t get out of our heads.” Guitarist Glen Erickson adds, “Ontario wouldn’t go away, as a lyric, as a destination, or as the home base in our industry. For a western band it remains a necessary evil, a difficult girlfriend to win over, yet on a different level it possessed so much of what we love about our country.” Both ideas worked, and the concept crystallized on a recent eastern tour, while the album was being mixed.
Despite entertaining numerous production options, Hauntario was made with the same production team that helped TWP achieve “Township”, their 2007 debut, which carved an immediate niche with fans and radio for its unique song-writing and amped-up canadiana. (Earshot top50, CBC Radio 3 top10)
Hauntario continues where “Township” left off, with noticeable alternations between the brothers’ songs, dynamic exchanges between swells and whispers, rock and roots. The familiar influences remain, while more obvious impressions made by current indie flavours have put their mark on the new songs. Pedal steel, organ and piano continue to wash around the band’s foundational guitar-driven delivery, with the signature blend of vocals taking a greater share of the spotlight.
The Wheat Pool will be on the road across Canada throughout the fall, promoting Hauntario, which reaches the public October 6/09.
Just a reminder to listen to THE WHEAT POOL on THIS GREAT WHITE NORTH. It's an ALL CANADIAN music show FRIDAYS 4:30-6pm CST on 91.7 KOOP FM in Austin, Texas. You can listen online at www.KOOP.org.
Great show last night guys! There were many, many great things said about your show. Good times all around. Thanks again for coming. I'll see what is happening in the New Year and hit you up for another round. Cheers, Jill
Fanastic reviews are coming in for your equally fantastic album. Great work you guys! Have fun on CBC today and see you at the show tomorrow! Ryan and I were excited enough to buy advance tickets!
Thanks for the friend request! We are all excited right now because the new album, "Shower the People You Love With Gold" got 4 out of 5 stars in the Chicago Tribune and Orland Sentinel, Magnet said nice things and babysue (March) gave it a 5+++!!! :)
Here, give it a listen here: www.cdbaby.com/westernciv3
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING INDIE MUSIC!!! BUY SOMETHING FROM A MUSICIAN TODAY!!!! :) even if it's not from us! WESTERN CIV
Hey guys. I really like your tunes, definitely great road trip music. If you ever think of touring Australia, let me know, we could do some shows together! Hopefully I'll be back in Canada next year with a new album. LG
thanks you so much for the add. you have no idea how much that means to us! we hope you wont a stranger because without you, we're nothing.
please visit our merch store at badnewsbears.bigcartel.com and check out our new "root of all evil" t-shirts. Also, our "09 Sampler is now on iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Napster, Etc so pick it up. It's only $2! You can't lose.
on a more personal note, i always respond to comments and messages regularly, so don't be a stranger. yah dig!? - mike
PS: I truly do apologize for the delay in adding you. We still love you. come see us on tour! PPS: i also apologize for the novel long comment and the shameless promotion haha
I think so! Things are always in the works. I keep hearing good things about you guys too! Will you be in Vancouver soon? I will be in your city on Sept 12th!
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