Crow Vs Lion: Rest Your Bones [Album Review]
Rest Your Bones is a masterful album packed with instrumental talent, songwriting prowess and the ability to mesmerize in a way not often found in folk music.
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Andy Fenstermaker
Andy Fenstermaker is a music lover, writer, marketing professional, and entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to sharing his passion for music with others. He is the founder of FensePost, a renowned music blog that has been sharing the latest and greatest in indie music since 2006. Andy has always been fascinated by the power of music to connect people, and he started FensePost with the aim of sharing his love of music with others. Andy developed a passion for music at a young age. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Andy grew up surrounded by a vibrant music scene that left an indelible mark on him. He attended Washington State University, where he studied Communication and Business. He holds a BA in Communication and a Masters in Business Administration. After graduating, Andy started writing about music and created FensePost as the outlet. The blog has a strong focus on indie music, but also covers a range of other genres including folk, indie pop, psychedelic, garage rock, and experimental. Andy and the blog relocated to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in 2020.
Low: Try To Sleep [mp3]
“Try To Sleep” has instant appeal. It sits nicely with Low‘s previous work, especially the more recent, though it also seems a bit more connected and full. That may be a stretch, though, as Low has always been a bit on the minimal side, from quiet volumes to stripped-down instrumentation. But maybe it’s not; this song does have more sound all around. And where Low’s catalog of material has done well with light, quiet songs, it’s good to hear something a bit more rounded. Read More »Low: Try To Sleep [mp3]
FensePost Podcast: Psychedelic Ambiance Part 1
Of late, I’ve been listening to a lot of pseudo-electronic music. Stuff that borders on chillwave, throwbacks to new wave but with an electronic twist, a lot of it European-influenced, most of it with a nerdy edge to it that’s walks the threshold between awkwardness and the invariably cool. Stuff that can, in a way, be adequately described as psychedelic ambiance. This is the first of a few podcasts to fit this mold so you can think of it as part one, as that’s precisely what it is — the playlist grew and grew until I simply had to divide it in two for my own sanity’s sake. Read More »FensePost Podcast: Psychedelic Ambiance Part 1
Figurines: Hanging From Above [Video]
To be honest, I haven’t spent much time with Figurines’ previous work. Though I’ve been told a few times I would really enjoy it. So when I saw a note in my inbox that they’ve got a new one on the way and that this here video had been released, I figured it was time I dig in and check them out. And whoever told me I would enjoy this band was spot on — “Hanging From Above” is a phenomenal song! Read More »Figurines: Hanging From Above [Video]
Until The Light Takes Us [Video Review]
Until The Light Takes Us documents the rise in popularity of Norwegian black metal and death metal in the early 90s. Based loosely around two instrumental band members of Darkthrone, the film peeks into the origins but focuses heavily on the cultural aspect that, politically, turned the country into a frenzy. While never really skewing one way or another, Until The Light peers into the somewhat torn soul of Fenriz, who focuses all his energy and passion on the music he creates. Throughout the film, we come to understand that Fenriz lives for the music and get the impression that he struggled greatly with the political leanings of Varg Vikernes of Burzum, who was sentenced to prison in 1993 for 21 years after being convicted of murder and several counts of arson. Read More »Until The Light Takes Us [Video Review]
The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library: Amylee [mp3]
If Michael J. Epstein is a slightly familiar face, that’s because he’s also the lead man from The Motion Sick. This is the same Epstein with a PhD, teaching Anatomy and Physiology of the Auditory System. And as the name of his new project, The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library, is filled with words, the band is also filled with members — at last count: nine. “Amylee” is a glimpse into this project, as well as its upcoming release, Volume One. The song is easily loved, orchestrated folk-pop that buries itself in your head in the most desirable of ways. Read More »The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library: Amylee [mp3]
Tea Cozies: Dead Man’s Sister [Video]
Seattle garage rock outfit Tea Cozies boasted production by Erik Blood on their 2009 release Hot Probs. They’re back with a sound that’s really, really good. Listening to their new single, “Dead Man’s Sister”, I can’t help but think of current hot bands like Best Coast, La Sera, and Dum Dum Girls. These ladies and gents fit the mold, with light fuzz meets heavy reverb, dreamy vocal melodies meet punchy guitar riffs. What’s stunning, however, is that “Dead Man’s Sister” holds in it an originality that Tea Cozies can call their own. It’s catchy as all hell, highly dance-worthy, yet not overdone. Read More »Tea Cozies: Dead Man’s Sister [Video]
Alameda: Silver Hands [mp3 Premiere]
Alameda is a new orchestrated folk outfit based in Portland. The band consists of Stirling Myles (guitar/vocals), Jessie Dettwiler (cello) and Jenn Woodall (clarinet). I gave their first LP, Seasons/Spectres, a good listen and it lines up pretty nicely against many of my favorites from 2010: The Head & The Heart, Hey Marseilles, Seabear, The Migrant. Alameda, however, lacks some of the pop traits of their contemporaries for a heavier (and quite refreshing) emphasis on folk. We here at FensePost are just delighted to premiere their new song “Silver Hands”. Read More »Alameda: Silver Hands [mp3 Premiere]
Helvetia [Feature]
Helvetia return with On The Lam, pumping out several new psychedelic tracks blending pop and rock very much in the style of the Pacific Northwest. The title track is among the more notable tunes on the album, beginning with a simple pop guitar melody, handclaps, and a consistent beat. Like the melody, the vocals are soft and borderline playful, albeit with a hint of emotion. By the end, the song tailspins into a hazy psychedelic swirl, launching straight into the similarly vibrant “Arise Pt. 1”. The latter, however, is dreamier and more experimental.
Read More »Helvetia [Feature]Snowblink [Feature]
Light folk-pop artists are nothing new, but Toronto’s Daniela Gesundheit and Dan Goldman create something unique with their project Snowblink. The band’s new album Long Live came out last month on Fire Records, and it’s filled with warm, catchy little tunes. Many, like “Ambergris” and “The Tired Bees” begin softly and minimally before adding orchestrated instrumentation and back-up vocals mid-way through. Read More »Snowblink [Feature]
