2014-02-28
Matt Ten Clay & The
Howlers released their first EP, Heavy
Boots in May of 2012. Less than two years later, the rock, pop, psych,
shoegaze group visited WYCE on February 7 to promote their new 4-track EP, Very Much Alive. The EP features Lazy
Genius' Patrick Wieland on drums and a collaboration with Jonny Bruha, along
with Haunted Leather's Dustin Meninger. The local group recorded at Ten Clay's
studio Amber Lit Audio for 10 months on songs that setting Matt Ten Clay apart
as an ingenious local producer. "Very Much Alive," the title track, sets the
tone of the record with heavy guitar and drums. Ten Clay's production skills
become clear as his vocals are easily distinguished from the clamoring of the
band. "Now Or Never" is deepened by Ten Clay's vocal range as the electric
guitar creates a driving Western Frontier feel mixed with the group's
rock/psych tendencies. Though the song seems to be building to a climax, we
never get there. "I Can't Fight It" closes out the album with a confession from
Ten Clay and a wonky, reverberating electric guitar.
Richard Martin
MIDLAKE
The Trials of Van Occupanther
Charlie Sexton & Shannon McNally
Southside Sessions
Various Artists
Catch and Release (Soundtrack)
AESOP ROCK
None Shall Pass
PATTY HURST SHIFTER
Fugitive Glue
NEKO CASE
Live from Austin TX
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