Grass Widow
4 songs, 11 minutes and 5 seconds, self-released

Grass Widow's first show, that I remember seeing anyway, was opening for the Country Teasers at Kings. They had a different drummer and he wasn't too prolific to say the least. The music then suffered as a result, but the songs were there and sounded real good. It just needed a year hiatus and Evan Williams (not this) to bring it back.

If you've ever seen them live, you know they get rowdy. Its all in good fun, of course. Before and after they play, they carry on a more subdued vibe. The recording captures an element of Grass Widow that usually eludes them when they perform live: A clean, straight presentation. I'm not saying that Grass Widow are sloppy, not at all. When you see them live, you can tell they play loose and without boundaries. But anyone who's recorded in a studio knows being "loose" isn't necessarily encouraged. The band features 4 people that have had more than their share of experience playing in other groups (Spader, Taija Rae, Black Mona Lisas to name a slight few).

That experience comes through in this recording.  Its tight.

"Pistol Parlour", the opening track does its best to represent the live performance. Its short, fast and glues itself to your brain. Then all of the sudden, there are all of these "oohhhs" and other harmonious vocal riffs and you begin to realize that they're not as loose as one would believe. Just when you think its about to get back to that third-verse-same-as-the-first mentality, its gone. Next song. "Sailboat Photo Locker" captures the two different guitar tones in Grass Widow: Drew Wood's dirty fuzz in contrast with Brian Cruse's jabbing jangle. Another advantage to recording is having extra instruments to mess around with. Enjoy the toy piano, everyone. "Black Lodge" was the first the song I ever heard by Grass Widow. Not only am glad that its available, but it sounds like I thought a recorded version of this song would sound (and more). When the end of "Out of the Woods" pumps through your stereo, you want more. Let's hope the wait isn't too long.

The EP was recorded by Chester Gwazda for his Guild of Birthdays project. Gwazda produced Dan Deacon's upcoming full length, Bromst, Ecstatic Sunshine and local Raleigh via Greenville faves Future Islands. His method of recording is unique. Gwazda gets in his car, records a band, then takes recommendations from his friends and travels the country to record other bands for free. Bassist Mike Dillon was recommended to Gwazda by his friends in Future Islands. Grass Widow were more than happy to oblige. All Gwazda asked for was a place to crash, gas money and some food. Ah, the joys of bartering.

This EP will be available at their shows starting on Thursday, June 5th at Tir-Na-Nog. I'm sure if you holla at them, you can barter one for yourself.