For years I’ve been a big fan of American Analog Set and their low key self-described “neo-punk” indie rock (the original punk rock style was a rebellious loud rock style reaction to the softer popular music of that time period. Now days much of the music is loud and brash so “neo-punk” or a rebellion from the popular sound would be quiet and soft music, right?).
Andrew Kenny (member of American Analog Set) has a new band/album now – The Wooden Birds and their new one Magnolia just released via Barsuk. Many of the elements of American Analog Set are still evident among The Wooden Birds, but there’s deeper instrumentation and a fresher more natural sound in general. American Analog Set had electronic keys in the fore front of their music while The Wooden Birds drift to the standard guitars, bass, vox and the occasional background spice of keys, etc.. The difference can clearly be heard with their first single “Sugar” which dons an almost Neil Young like persona. Kenny also employs a slew of guests to fill out Magnolia’s sound including Ola Podrida, David Wingo, Lymbyc System’s drummer Michael Bell, Chris Michaels, and frequent American Analog Set contributor Leslie Sisson. In the end there’s not too many albums that I label “soft” and “beautiful” that end up getting this much play/praise from me (I more of an upbeat kind of guy most of the time). The Wooden Birds’ Magnolia is that exceptional.
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