There is something about a band with a rich backstory that just makes the transition from holding the album in your hand to having it on repeat a bit quicker. While I could care less about most PR releases telling me about the next great band for fans of Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse, Wilco, & The Beatles, every now and then, a story makes me want to hear the album right away.
Such was the case with Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, whos name I had heard a couple times, and with a name like that, you kinda remember it quickly. So when I got hold of the full length album recently, I paid attention. And I am really glad I did, because this is quickly becoming one of my favorite new albums this year.
As for the aforementioned back story, well the gist is that the band started to release PSA’s via myspace before they even had music to offer and in a strange way caught the attention of some in their hometown of Seattle. We find out a bit more about the band just after this, when they revealed that their drummer, is the adopted brother of the lead singer, Benjamin Verdoes , and is 13 years old. Ben also has enlisted his wife to be in the band, and she sings backing vocals. And oh yeah, the album was co-produced by Scott Colburn (Arcade Fire, Animal Collective). Not a bad little story eh?
And now, we know that Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band will be releasing their debut full length album on the Dead Oceans label March 10th, and touring with Bishop Allen this spring. So, what about the music? Well, its not ground breaking, but as far as indie rock goes, it hits the sweet spot. With some great guitar work and pleading vocals, there is no reason that these guys won’t be a blog darling before long (if they are not already).
Get a taste of the new record right now with this tune, “Anchors Dropped”….
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band – Anchors Dropped
Tour dates listed after the jump…
02/26/09 San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Shop w/ Goblin Cock and Warship
02/28/09 Salem, OR – IKE Box
03/06/09 Seattle, WA – Neumos w/ Visqueen and Say Hi
03/12/09 Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church w/ Bishop Allen
03/13/09 Washington DC, – The Black Cat w/ Bishop Allen
03/14/09 Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506 w/ Bishop Allen
03/15/09 Asheville, NC – The Rocket Club w/ Bishop Allen
03/16/09 Memphis, TN – Hi-Tone w/ Bishop Allen
03/17/09 Little Rock, AR – Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack w/ Bishop Allen
03/18/09 Dallas, TX – House of Blues – The Pontiac Garage w/ Bishop Allen
03/23/09 Los Angeles, CA – Troubador w/ Bishop Allen
03/24/09 San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Shop w/ Bishop Allen
03/26/09 Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court w/ Bishop Allen
03/28/09 Denver, CO – Hi-Dive w/ Bishop Allen
03/29/09 Lawrence, KS – Jackpot Saloon w/ Bishop Allen
03/31/09 Chicago, IL – Subterranean w/ Bishop Allen
04/01/09 Grantham, PA – Messiah College – Larsent Student
04/02/09 Northhampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall w/ Bishop Allen
04/04/09 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Bishop Allen
04/05/09 New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom w/ Bishop Allen
