For any band, creating atmosphere is an essential part of forming a repertoire. Old Earth has taken the initiative to create one wherein the listener feels as if they’re being let in on a secret—as if the music is playing in the distance and the listeners are lucky enough to be experiencing what they are. Old Earth creates a warm and inviting, yet distant, take on post-punk, folk, country, and post-rock.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
The Shitty Barn
Spring Green, WI
2 PM to 10 PM; $15
In advance of Solskinn Music Festival this Saturday, Jonk Music is sharing (stand-alones from) A Wake in the Wells, a three-track sampler featuring the eclectic range of sound we can expect from Old Earth’s upcoming new album, A Wake in the Wells, due August 31. From honey smooth rhythm guitar to jumpy, Western lead, stand-alones highlights Old Earth’s mastery of the tightropes between genres.
“some Gates’ll swing wide, for Us”
What puts the “experimental” in Old Earth’s self-described genre of experimental folk is the seductively gravel-tinged vocals. Post-punk guitar tones paired with minimalist perfusion allow the track’s understated, guttural melody to take center stage. The steady, orchestral build recalls haunting emotion, pulling the listener in and refusing to let go.
“Accept that the mark will outlast you”
With a country twang in its lead guitar and a brighter, shinier sound, this track borders on the idea of a more mainstream sound. The background instrumentation and vocals are far from country, however. Pushed beyond genre lines, “Accept…” is both stylized enough to maintain Old Earth’s integrity yet bright enough for radio play.
“The Place changed, We didn’t”
Percussive guitar parts and muted harmonies in the introduction match the scale-crawling vocals of the verse. A haunting distance gives “The Place…” a very sobering feel. The fade out at the end adds a somber touch, closing the standalone singles with a muted touch.
Old Earth will perform at Solskinn Music Festival on Saturday, August 16 at The Shitty Barn in Spring Green, WI. Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased here. Additionally, Old Earth will be playing live on WSUM 91.7 on Friday, August 15 at 3 PM.