Call it Arson - Moth Wash: The Old Flames Seven Inch

Call It Arson plays out of the Old Saybrook area of Connecticut, probably about an hour and a half from where I used to live.  Being so close, they've become a local favorite, and rightfully so. I think they're one of the few musical acts around now that still make original music.  You can tell that the individual styles of the members all contribute to the bands overall sound, which I always find interesting.  They've managed to create a heavy aesthetic while retaining acoustic and folk rock elements to their songs; the harmonica and acoustic guitar are always as audible as the driving low end.  Singers James Downes and Ryan White have very distinct, unique qualities to their voices that blend and mesh like they were from the same family.  

They're one of the few bands in the area who are seeing some success, having shared the stage with bands like Cursive and The Appleseed Cast.  On May 20th of 2008, Call It Arson released "Moth Wash: The Old Flames Seven Inch" which features a lonely two songs but comes with an MP3 download of all the files.  Moth Wash is the latest of three releases since 2006, after "The Animal Strings Album" and "Call It Arson" a self titled, 10 track album.  Look for Call It Arson on Kill Normal Records, alongside bands like They And The Children, Stab You In The Head and The Flaming Tsunamis.  

Here are some of our first MP3 downloads on My Son Cool.  These songs are great and everyone should hear them, but if you like these songs please support this band and their music.  All of these CD's are available on the Kill Normal Website for cheap.

From Moth Wash: The Old Flames Seven Inch 

[MP3] Call It Arson - There's A Way To Be On

From Animal Strings

[MP3] Call It Arson - Hoopin' & Humpin'

[MP3] Call It Arson - Animal Strings 

I'll be totally honest, if I had my way I'd have different songs on here but we do what we can.  You might not be able to download them, but go to the Call It Arson myspace and listen to "Eliza" and "Sharpie," my two favorite songs of theirs, just take my word for it.  Both songs are beautiful and haunting in their almost anthem-like composition. "Sharpie" shares the mentality of "There's A Way To Be On," being the other track from Moth Wash. 

Chris Listorti - Words That Suture Wounded Hearts

So, there aren't any shows this week until Friday and I'm not about to report on my own performances, so for the time being I'm going to dig into the depths of my hometown music and bring up an artist I think everyone should really get to know.

I met Chris Listorti at The Space in Hamden a few years ago and he was really one of the most approachable musicians I've ever met.  Since then I've played a number of shows with him and he continues to grow musically every time I see him.  Chris is an incredibly talented musician with an innate musical understanding and a creative sound.  I've grown accustomed to Chris' quiet, crafted, acoustic melodies but on his new CD, "Words That Suture Wounded Hearts," he's taken more of a full band approach which I really enjoy. Its refreshing to hear pianos, drums, organs and vocal backgrounds fill out old favorites into new, more complete recordings.  I would stream some of the songs if I could but for now you can listen to a number of them on his myspace, and if you like what you hear I definitely recommend supporting this artist and ordering a CD.  "On My Thoughts" and "Willimantic" are two great choices for new listeners.

Also, make sure you're at a show this Friday, Feb. 6th! You have two to choose from:

CO-OP @ 7:30

with Kelly Izzo, Richard Keith, The Tale (with Randy Fuentes and Laurie Anne Creus), and me, Nick Corbo

THE STOOD @ 8:00

with Emma Tringali and the Walk-Ins and Olken

Both shows are free.

 

In these next few weeks I'll be recording and releasing an acoustic EP with my friends from Shack Attack Records.  When the songs are ready I'll try to find some way to get them up onto the blog but if not and you just see me walking around, definitely ask me about it and I'll get you a free copy.  Until then come visit my myspace for demos and updates.