Interview with the band T.I.T.S.

From the SF Gate website.

T.I.T.S. is a band from San Francisco. Their band name, although an acronym, connotes fun, womanhood, etc. A group of lovely ladies busting out some heavy tunes, their stuff is very good. Somewhat tribal, yet all the while melodic, their music come onto you like waves of droning sound in the most pleasant way possible.  I got to talk to the band and ask them a few questions.




How'd T.I.T.S end up getting together?
We were all on the same softball team.


T.I.T.S. is a pretty fantastic band name. Where'd it originate from?
It's a self-motivational acronym that came to us during a peyote-fueled vision quest in the great Northwest.


You guys are from San Francisco. What's your take on the scene there?
We think it's good but we all have a curfew.


You guys generally get lumped into the noise genre. Do you feel that that is an accurate label? 
No, we are definitely 3rd generation crap wave, heavily influenced by what was happening during the seminal Durf movement of the late 1960's.


What are your influences?
See above.


Analog or digital recording?
Digilog.


You guys are signed with Upset The Rhythm. How does the label treat you?
They're fantastic and have been very generous and supportive. This is our fist self-released album.

The whole band is women. Any weird stories because of that? Like gropey dudes or harassment stuff?  If so, do you just laugh it off or does it thoroughly creep you out?

The hardest tour we've ever been on is the one when one of us had to get an abortion.

Any past bands/projects that you guys have been in? If so, what are they?

Death Sentence: Panda!; Towel; Verbalala; Meowmeow&theMeowmeows;  Crack: We Are Rock; Condor; Feather Gong; No-Go's; Condo.

What makes your music so god damn foxy?

(thank you)

Random Zone

Please make up the best way the band would've met (be as
imaginative as necessary)?

Online.

What's the worst/most fucked up thing you ever did?

Lied about getting an abortion.

What's the one thing that the Fonz (Happy Days) has that you want?

Complete access to Henry Winkler.

Please explain your feelings toward Richard Simmons in five words.

Love, compassion, perm-envy, compassion, perm-envy.

Fill in the blanks:

I want to stuff a glitter-fatty into a potato-jacket only because  I feel so powerless . 

What's your favorite joke?

See above.

Any secret talents in the band?

See 2012 Mayan Calendar.

A great interview. Short and sweet. Sad at points though. Check out T.I.T.S. music; it's super foxy.

Myspace-http://www.myspace.com/titsacrossamerica

Record Label site- http://www.upsettherhythm.co.uk/tits.shtml

Interview with Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu

Stolen from the band's facebook
Photo by Jan Durina

Jamie Stewart has always been making music. After being in bands for a while, he began Xiu Xiu, a band like no other. Joy Division-esque, the music is sweetly sad. It gives me a feeling of belonging when I'm feeling somewhat lonely, and the music itself is just enjoyable to listen to. Overall a great band. I was lucky enough to interview Jamie over e-mail and talk to him a little bit. 

How'd Xiu Xiu start out?
We have been a band for 10 years! look it up. I can't answer this question anymore!!!!!!!!! I love you.


You've had some member changes over the years. How'd you end up with the band as it is now?
Devin hoff and I are old friends and he has played on most of the records. When I was talking to him about needing to sort out another new line up he kindly said he would be into and as he plays with several more people regularly than I do, he recruited Marc and Bettina to join as well. Angela and I have been best friends for several years and she joined mostly through osmosis. She can't tour anymore but still plays on recordings. 
 


 People seem to relate to your lyrics very easily. When you write lyrics, do you try to write relatable lyrics or is it more of a form of self expression that happens to be relatable?
I try to write lyrics that are as honest as possible and leave it at that. 


Based on what I've seen, you like asian culture a lot. Is that true? If so, what draws you to it?
My grandpa was a sailor and traveled all over the pacific rim. His house was filled with asian art and antiques (he was a big homo so antiques of course) so i was around classical asian aesthetics all the time when I was in my formative growings up. So my idea of what was beautiful came from that place. Also i grew up in california where asian culture is, along with latino culture defining of what it is to be from California. 


You're music seems to have a much more melancholy feel to it. Do you feel that way frequently, or is it just easier for you to write music when you're in that state of mind?
Oh that it  weren't so but happiness has never been easy for me, or most people.


What's the songwriting process like for you? Do you generally begin with lyrics, a drum beat, a melody, etc?
It depends on the song. Luckily all of the fundamentals of music is wonderful so beginning from any place can be inspiring.


Digital or analog recording?
Usual thoughts. Digital is more flexible. Analog sounds better.


What's a piece of musical equipment that you'd love to own/try?
Buchla modular synth or ems synths.


You're going to put out a new album soon. Would you mind elaborating on it? (Added later: Who are you recording with? What kind of experiments are happening musically?)
That is vague! Ask something more pointed and i would be very happy to answer. Again i love you.
Later answers: (About who he's recording with) Angela Seo, Greg Saunier, Devin Hoff, John Congleton, John Dieteich and Ches Smith. A talented crew to say the least!
(About musical experiments) 
Lots more vintage analog synths and "vox humana" and choir samples. Maracas for ever. We use a lot of different instruments generally so we are running out.
(What differentiates it from previous albums)
It is more melodic, more aggressive and more concise that anything we have done in a long time.

Do you do any forms of art other than music?
Write haikus. I have my first book coming out in march called a neo tropical companion.


You've been collaborating with a lot of people recently (Former Ghosts, Zola Jesus, Parenthetical Girls). How does that usually start?
We have done lots of collaborations. Always with friends (or former friends as the case can be s time goes on) whose work we respect and like personally.  It is spending time together participating in a mutual love.


Anyone missing from my short little list?
Larsen, Eugenn Robinson, Grouper, Lawrence English (coming up) Jonathan Meiberg of Shearwater, High Places, Sole


You seem to keep very detailed diaries of you touring and like to keep in touch with your fans. Is this to keep your audience enlightened or is it a more personal thing?
Making friends!


According to the internet, you live in Durham, NC at the moment. What's it like there? Is there a good music/art scene?
SUCKS! There is nothing more to say. 


What makes your music so god damn foxy?

We have a song called the fox and the rabbit. It could be that? 


Random Zone 
Please make up the best way the band would've met (be as imaginative as necessary).
As test tube babies in the lab.


When you were a kid, what was the worst/most fucked up thing you ever did?
Raped grover from Sesame Street. 


What's the one thing that the Fonz (Happy Days) has that you want?
Good hair cut.


Please explain your feelings toward Richard Simmons in five words.
He's unlike Simmons drum pads.


Fill in the blanks: I want to stuff a _______ into a __________ only because _______ ________ ________.
I want to stuff a gergogh into a merxorbat only because hertomish corrupts youth.


What's your favorite joke?
It take 10 minutes to tell but the punch line is "FUCK YOU CLOWN!" (I think this is it)


Any secret talents?

Keeping secrets.

Oh Jamie, making me blush with your I love you's. Be sure to listen to Xiu Xiu though. It's fantastic stuff. Ultra foxy.

Website- http://xiuxiu.org/

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/xiuxiuforlife

Bandcamp- http://xiuxiu.bandcamp.com/

Interview with Thomas Fec (Tobacco) of Tobacco /Black Moth Super Rainbow

Stolen from the Tobacco facebook page.

Tobacco has been making music since 1998. Starting with home-made cassettes, later forming the band Black Moth Super Rainbow, and then his self titled solo project, this guy just gets it. Starting in Pittsburgh, PA, his music encompasses an odd, asid tinged version of reality. Always seeming to embrace the weird while keeping everything accessible, you have to love Tobacco and all his projects. Electronic, psychedelic, whatever you call it, the music is very good. I got to ask Thomas Fec (Tobacco) a few questions over e-mail and dig around in his mind a little bit. At least as much as e-mails allow.


It seems that recently you've been a little less enigmatic than previously. Is this intentional or just by chance?
I've never been mysterious or anything on purpose, it just has seemed like that at times because i'm not always interested in talking. I've been having fun lately using twitter, so you can't always take everything I say on there seriously.  

You somewhat recently put out the album LA UTI. Would you mind explaining how the concept and actual recording came together?

It was actually made up of some of the earlier drafts for maniac meat, so they were made at the same time. The songs with rappers didn't sound right on the full album, so those just got broken out into their own thing.  

What are the plans for Tobacco/BMSR in the future? Any albums soon to come or tours?
Yeah, there's an album coming together now, so there is a plan to have it out in 2012/2013, but things can change pretty quickly around here, so no guarantees. And bmsr is gonna do 4 days on the west coast in may, but that's all we have set. 




Fill in the blanks: I want to stuff a _______ into a __________ only because _______ ________ ________.
I want to stuff a stolen swim spa into a specially enclosed room in my house only because it would make it impossible to get caught.


When you were a kid, what was the worst/most fucked up thing you ever did?
Nothing.  I was cool.   


How does the writing process work for you? Do you usually start with a melody or is it more rhythm/beat oriented?
Anything goes with that. Absolutely anything. It could even start with a song title that sets up the way a song should sound.  

A great interview. Tobacco was apparently cool as a kid, and seems just as cool now. Check out the tunes. They are super foxy.

Facebook-http://www.facebook.com/maniacmeat

Twitter- http://twitter.com/maniacmeat

Website- http://www.blackmothsuperrainbow.com/

Interview with Tim Hines of Tropical Popsicle

Stolen from the band's facebook. Photograph by Marissa Parsons.

Tropical Popsicle is the brainchild of San Diego's very own Timothy Hines. With a definite orientation towards the sixties sunshine and the fun of it all, the music is nostalgia for a time unknown. Pumped with just enough reverb to keep it fresh, the music keeps your senses buzzing. All in all, just fun, beachy kind of music. I got to talk to Timothy Hines, the principal songwriter in the band over email and talk about future hopes for the band, name origin, and plenty of other things.






How'd Tropical Popsicle begin?
It started as a side/solo project I was doing in my bedroom in the Summer of 2010. I was writing simple songs with the idea that I might use them in my other band Lights On, which is not a simple band.


You are the creative drive behind Tropical Popsicle. How long have
you been making music for?
I've been writing and recording music for about 15yrs. Longer than I havent been doing it..


The name has a really good ring to it. Where'd it come from?
The name came out of the blue. I was spinning records at a local venue and the owner said "whats your DJ name, I said, 'I dont know, Tropical Popsicle??' Haha.  Some local rag posted a week later that I had a new side project (which wasn't the case). I needed a name for the new shit I was doing and just used it. About 4 months after this instance. 


You're based in Southern California. Does living here influence
your guys' songwriting?
Not really, waves and sunshine are the last thing I think about when writing music. I love the Beach Boys, but tend to dwell in darker spaces mentally and geographically when writing tunes, for the time being. 


You guys have a 7-inch out. Any other albums coming out soon?
Were putting out a full length vinyl LP this summer and possibly another split EP with our friends from San Diego, New Mexico (the band, not state).


Digital or analog recording?
Both, I will record with anything that facilitates the recording process the fastest. Mostly hybrid.


What are Tropical Popsicle's influences?
Myths, Theories, Magik, the Occult, remnants of Psychotropic Drugs, oh yeah... Early Pink Floyd, early Rolling Stones, Suicide, VU, Cabaret Voltaire, Wire etc etc.


What's a piece of musical equipment would you love to try/own?
I've tried all these but will love to someday own: a Mellotron, Optigon, Vibraphone and Marimba.


What's a record that you think almost everyone should hear?
Their Satanic Majesties Request by The Rolling Stones, Kaleidoscope  by Siouxsie and The Banshees. Thats two.


How do you feel about the current climate of the music scene?
BAD BAD BAD.


Were there any projects before Tropical Popsicle?
Yes many, to mention a few, Lights On, The Stereotypes, Jersey Thursday.


Random Zone
When you were a kid, what was the worst/most fucked up thing you ever did?
Tipped over cars with my skateboard pals ( a whole bunch of em').


What's the one thing that the Fonz (Happy Days) has that you want?
Hot Chix and a Kool Leather Jacket.


Gotta love it. Check out the tunes, because they are most definitely foxy.


Facebook-http://www.facebook.com/troppop?sk=wall
Bandcamp-http://tropicalpopsicle.bandcamp.com/

Interview with Quintron of Quintron and Miss Pussycat

Miss Pussycat on the left, Quintron on the right.
Stolen from http://www.quintronandmisspussycat.com/.

Quintron and Miss Pussycat are a great duo from New Orleans, LA. Miss Pussycat creates puppet shows and during the musical aspect of the shows she plays maracas and does backup vocals. Quintron plays most of the music, playing an organ, a modified casio, and his own home made synth/chirp machine called the Drum Buddy. Capturing the sounds of the swamps along with the party aspect of bands like the B-52s, the band makes for a party. When I listen to their music, I imagine a dance party on the deck of an airboat that's jetting around the Bayou. I got to interview Quintron via E-mail and ask him all about his beginnings and well as more recent projects. Overall, this was a great interview, and Mr. Quintron gave some great answers.

How'd Quintron and Miss Pussycat meet?

ON ST CLAUDE AVENUE ON  MY WAY TO GENE'S PO-BOY SHOP.  ITS BIG AND PINK.  A BEAT UP STATION WAGON PULLS UP BESIDE ME AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THE WORLD SAYS, "YOU ARE QUINTRON RIGHT? GET IN THE CAR".  TRUE STORY.

Both of you seem to enjoy creating art in various forms. What are some of your crowning achievements?

I HAVE NEVER MADE A CROWN BUT YOU COULD PUT A DRUM BUDDY CAN ON YOUR HEAD AND BE LIKE A BUM KING....SO THERE IS THAT.  YEA....I'M NOT READY TO PUT CROWNS ON STUFF YET.  I DID JUST GET A GRAMMY NOMINATION FOR A STEVE RILEY CAJUN RECORD WHICH I PLAYED ON AND THEY ALSO COVERED ONE OF MY SONGS.  IF IT WINS, THAT WOULD BE CLOSE TO A CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT. BECAUSE YOU COULD MELT IT DOWN AND MAKE A VERY NICE CROWN.  HA HA...JUST KIDDING.  I WILL WEAR IT AROUND MY NECK!

What are some of your guys' influences?

ERNIE K-DOE, HARRY PARTCH, OSCAR WILDE, THE RAMONES, BRITISH TELEVISION, TALK RADIO, MARDI GRAS, THE HUMIDITY...YOU KNOW...THE USUAL.

You guys are from New Orleans, specifically the Ninth Ward. Do you think your environment influences your songwriting?

I CAN TELL YOU FOR SURE I WORK BETTER IN THE GULF SUMMER WHEN THE DAYS ARE LONG, THE BROOKLYN KIDS ARE SOMEPLACE ELSE (LIKE BROOKLYN), AND WE ARE ALL CONSTANTLY COVERED IN SWEAT.  SUMMER HERE IS FUCKING LOOOOOONG...LIKE MAY THRU OCTOBER.  ITS AWESOME.  THANK GOD FOR MARDI GRAS OR I DON'T THINK I WOULD MAKE IT THRU THE WINTER HERE.

You guys recently released the album "Sucre Du Sauvage." What was the recording process like for that album?

WE RECORDED MOSTLY IN PUBLIC AS PART OF A MUSEUM EXHIBIT AT THE NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART.  IT WAS GREAT.  WE GOT KEYS TO THE MUSEUM BASICALLY AND WE COULD BE IN THERE 24/7.  THE FINAL WEEK I SLEPT IN THE PARK OUTSIDE SO I COULD RECORD NATURE SOUNDS TO MIX INTO THE FINAL RECORD.  LOTS OF DUCKS AND WATER SOUNDS.  THE PARK IS BASICALLY A SWAMP.

Do you prefer analog or digital recording?

BOTH.  THE ANALOG / DIGITAL WAR IS OFFICIALLY OVER AND THEY BOTH WIN.  ONE THING I WILL SAY IS THAT I THINK THE TREND (GOING ON 10 YEARS STRONG) OF LOOKING AT A COMPUTER SCREEN WHILE YOU ARE MAKING MUSIC IS STUPID....ITS COUNTER-INTUITIVE AND IT FORCES THE BRAIN TO THINK LOGICALLY AND PUT THINGS IN LITTLE BOXES WHEN YOU SHOULD BE DOING JUST THE OPPOSITE.  ITS TURNED MUSIC MAKING INTO A DUDE VIDEO GAME...WHICH IS AWESOME IF YOU ARE MAKING DUDE VIDEO GAME MUSIC...MOST PEOPLE AREN'T.  I'M INTO HEADPHONES BIG TIME....AND METERS THAT LIGHT UP.

The new album seems to be more elaborate than previous albums to me. Was there any reason behind this? Was there more at your disposal?

MORE TIME.  I REPORTED TO WORK AT THE MUSEUM 8 HOURS A DAY 5 TO 7 DAYS A WEEK...I COULD GET REALLY DEEP INTO THE SONGS.  IT KIND OF DROVE ME CRAZY...WELL IT LITERALLY DROVE ME CRAZY, BUT WHEN I LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM I CAN HEAR THE RESULTS AND IT MAKES FOR A BETTER RECORD.

You guys are going to be playing on the Bruise Cruise in February. What are your feelings toward that?

I GET THE FEELING THERE IS SOME SORT OF FAKE SUBCULTURAL INTERNET CONTROVERSY OVER WHETHER OR NOT THE BRUISE CRUISE IS COOL OR NOT.  FUCK THAT.  IF SOMEONE ASKS,  "DO YOU WANT TO GET PAID TO GO ON A BOAT AND PLAY ROCK MUSIC WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND THEN HANG OUT ON AN ISLAND DRINKING BEER AND LISTENING TO BOOTLEG REGGAE ALL DAY?", THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS "YES".  I DO NOT BELIEVE IN GOD OR AN AFTERLIFE AND I REALLY DO NOT CARE WHETHER ANYONE THINKS THIS ENDEAVOR IS RIGHTEOUS OR NOT.  I AM GOING ON THE BRUISE CRUISE WITH JOY IN MY HEART AND MUSIC IN MY MOUTH.  THIS IS NOT A CORPORATE EVENT.   ITS A CRAZY IDEA THAT A COUPLE OF FRIENDS OF OURS (MICHELLE FROM PANACHE BOOKING AND JONAS FROM TURBO FRUITS) HAD AND THEY MADE IT HAPPEN.  THAT SAID, WE PROBABLY WON'T DO IT AGAIN...TOO CLOSE TO MARDI GRAS.  THIS ONE SHOULD BE FUN CUZ WE LOVE THE SHRINES AND NEIL HAMBURGER!

Your music has been self-described "Swamp-Tech." Care to elaborate on the label?

SWAMP POP + GHETTO TECH = SWAMP TECH.  SOMEONE WROTE IT IN AN ARTICLE ONCE AND I THOUGHT IT WAS NICE...AND FUNNY, LIKE HOW BRITISH PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS MAKING UP A MILLION WIERD NEW NAMES FOR WHAT IS BASICALLY HOUSE OR TECHNO.

What's the music and art scene like in New Orleans?

REAL GOOD. ART DOESN'T SUCK, JUST MOST OF THE PEOPLE AROUND IT.

What's a record that you feel like everyone should hear?

FRED LANE - "FROM THE ONE THAT CUT YOU"
FANG - "LANDSHARK"
MOTO - "RAW POWER"
ERNIE K-DOE - "EVERYTHING HE EVER RECORDED"

Were there any projects before Quintron and Miss Pussycat?

NO.

Random Zone:

Please make up the best way the band would've met (be as imaginative as necessary).

OUR REAL ONE IS PRETTY GOOD...PASS.

When you were a kid, what was the worst/most fucked up thing you ever did?

ALL OF 8TH GRADE.

What's the one thing that the Fonz (Happy Days) has that you want?

LEATHER TUSCADARO AND RICHIE CUNNINGHAM (I BET EVERY ONE YOU ASK SAYS THAT ANSWER!)

Please explain your feelings toward Richard Simmons in five words.

I LOVE RICHARD MUTHUWHOMPIN SIMMONS!!!

Fill in the blanks: I want to stuff a ______ into a ________ only because ______ _______ ______.

I want to stuff a YAM into a BUTT only because I'M KAREN FINLEY.


One of the most fun interviews so far! I saw dying at the idea of some homeless guy running around with a drum buddy on his head in order to be king of the streets. Check out Quintron and Miss Pussycat's tunes though. They're a lot of fun, and super foxy.


Website-http://www.quintronandmisspussycat.com/
Myspace- http://www.myspace.com/mrquintron
Drum Buddy Video (Warning, catchy non-lyrical intro song)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko7TPYJg6Jw

Interview with Matt Valentine, the MV of MV & EE.

MV & EE are two musicians based in Vermont, Matt Valentine and Erika Elder, who recruit countless other musicians to make their music. Their music is psychedelic and folky, all with very experimental focus. Their music seems to surround you with a combination of countless effects and a simple folk structure. They're signed on Woodsist, which is always a good sign. I was able to conduct an interview with Matt Valentine (the MV of the band) and tap into his psychedelic mind.




How'd MV & EE meet?

I believe we met in a record store in port chester, NY called "the vinyl solution". I was working in the shop and erika (ee) also would be present at alotta "tower recordings" shows where we would play regularly at the cooler in nyc. We both attended SUNY Purchase, so we might've even crossed synapses there.

Based on your internet appearance (which is often misleading) you guys like to be somewhat enigmatic. Is that a preference or a coincidence?

I'm not sure, never really thought about it. we just live our lives and play music. For sure the music is for everyone, this is most definitely not an "ELITIST" thing.

Another vibe that people seem to tend to attribute to the band is one involving psychedelia. Do you agree with the label?

I believe in psychedelic music and psychedelics. Times have changed as have the means to get the great versions of both. The "foodie" is the new version of the acid head. The chef is the new rock star. I mainly believe in the power of improvisational music thru astute study. That said there is so much "out there" these days...our music, like the raga, should bring joy and like the freest jazz and noise should ideally bring a reflection of the times, if your listening. Free folk in many ways for me was defining what "new" psychedelic music is...fahey and basho filtered thru covert amplification. 

Also involving labels, how do you feel about the need to label music and put it into schemas?

No need...sound is sound and it is for the people. 

What's the songwriting process like for the band?

Well we like to start with the basic ideas at our home studio "maximum arousal farm" whenever possible and then elaborate on those ideas accordingly. It can take minutes and it can take months...tho' we often echo hank williams' approach if it takes too long. Since the beginning we always believed in spontaneity, feelings. 

What's a piece of musical equipment that you've always wanted to try/own?

I've used alotta shit. LA2A, mutron...i reckon a minor holy grail would be cippolina's horns.

You guys are recording a new album on Woodsist. Any comments about the record?

Well we've been working on it for a few years now, it's a rural jammer with deep culverts.

Do you prefer analog or digital recording?

I like both.

What are your feelings toward the music industry/scene of modern day?

It's a great time to be jamming.

What are some major influences for the band?

Ali Akbar Khan, Canned Heat, Television, JGB band.

What's a record that you feel as if everyone should hear?

Define everyone? For sure "Hi-Fi Snock Uptown" [Michael Hurley] is a good 'un and in grip for everyone these days. 

Were there any projects before MV & EE?

Sure.


Random Zone

Please make up the best way the band would've met?

In a skip.

When you were a kid, what was the worst/most fucked up thing you ever did?

Catch a fire.

What's the one thing that the Fonz (Happy Days) has that you want?

That dude is a facsimile of a true loser, gimme Ted Lucas any day.

Please explain your feelings toward Richard Simmons in five words.

Gimme Jeff Simmons any day.

Fill in the blanks:
 I want to stuff a _______ into a __________ only because _______
________ ________.

I want to stuff a pho into pseudo pod only because the garbo of the bowery should reign.

Peace ∞,
mv


A great interview with a great man. Be sure to check out MV & EE's catalog and jam on their tunes. They are foxy indeed.


Myspace- http://www.myspace.com/mveebummerroad
MV & EE's blog- http://mvandee.blogspot.com/

The Mountain Goats-Beautiful Rat Sunset EP

The Mountain Goats have always been a staple in the world of indie rock. Josh Darnielle was able to embrace a lower fidelity and create a beauty within it. Although he was most definitely not the first to do so, he did it well. The EP Beautiful Rat Sunset is, in my mind, a perfect balance of a lo-fi earnestness and easy to listen to, relatable lyrics. Recorded in the summer of 1993, but not released until 1994, I see it as the crown of The Mountain Goats work. The track "Seeing Daylight" has a melancholic feel, yet it seems to be reflecting the joys of summertime. It refers to a purity of summer as well as the aspects of a routine life. Other tracks like "Song For Mark And Joel" and "Sendero Luminoso Verdadero" are slightly more upbeat, but still reflect a certain nostalgia and reminiscence for previous times, even if those times were not positive. Overall, Mr. Darnielle communicates an odd feeling of slightly spiteful nostalgia. The music makes me think of reflection on times  of youth when I was so lost that I felt secure.  Check out the EP, it's some foxy stuff. Sad, yes, reminiscent, yes, but still foxy.