Colorado has been producing a good number of wonderful musicians over the past couple years (ie see M. Pyres!), and one that I started to follow last year was the Fort Collin’s Candy Claws.
Candy Claws have been lumped into the whole chillwave genre that has evolved over the past couple of years, but in actuality they have been making music since 2006. Hidden Lands, their new album, will be released on August 3rd on Two Syllables, this will be their second full length (third if you include the rarities).
Hidden Lands, much like their previous album In the Dream Of Sea Life(which seems to make it’s way back into my listening rotation at least once a month since I discovered it) in the sense that are both soundtracks written to go along with books. Hidden Lands is said to be ”A musical companion to Richard M. Ketchum’s book, “The Secret Life of the Forest.”
It’s interesting that Candy Claws say they make musical companions,because in reality I feel that is the most accurate description for their music…they illustrate with sound. Their music is heavily based in keyboards, electronics, and synths which they use to create lush soundscapes. In “Sunbeam Show” you can even hear what appears to be bird sounds intermingled into their orchestral like arrangements that encompass you and bring you to a far off place. This is one of my favorite bands to listen to when I’m reading, especially in the park (man, I wish that happened more often). The “Sunbeam Show” is the first single to emerge from Hidden Lands, and leaves an air of mystery to the LP (an LP I think will be hitting year end lists).
[mp3] Candy Claws- “Sunbeam Show”
I can’t wait to see this Hidden Lands on vinyl…I’m sure it will be glorious…the band should have CDs on their current tour. See the tour dates below.
If you haven’t already snagged their great rarities download called Glacier Prey do that now:
[free album download] Candy Claws- Glacier Prey
Or expierence the wonderful world of In the Dream of Sea Life…which I highly recommend it. A beautiful album overlooked by way too many. Buy/stream it here.
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Candy Claws have ventured out from Colorado to play for us on the East Coast!
- Tonight, July 13th 2010- New York, NY @ Pianos w/ We Are Country Mice
- Wednesday July 14th, 2010- Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands w/ Pepper Rabbit, Blair, Baby Alpaca
and the Midwest too:
- 7/16 – The Cave – Chicago, IL
- 7/17 – The Empty Bottle – Chicago, IL w/ BEST COAST!!!!
- 7/19 – Vaudville Mews – Des Moines, IA
- 7/20 – Record Bar – Kansas City, MO
- 7/22 – Skylark Lounge – Denver, CO
- 7/24 – Capital Hill House – Seattle, WA
- 7/26 – Rotture – Portland, OR
- 7/28 – The Hemlock – San Francisco, CA
- 7/29 – Crepe Place – Santa Cruz, CA
- 7/30 – Spaceland – Los Angeles, CA
- 7/31 – Beauty Bar – Las Vegas, NV
One of Candy Claws cars just burned to the ground in an accident….thankfully everyone is safe. If you see them on these live dates buy some merch, and help them out! Or donate to help them here.
Candy Claws is not to be missed at these very rare NYC shows…get out there and see them!
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- Candy Claws was just on p4k’s RISING.
- more on Candy Claws here.
- band photos by Matthew Sage. Backgrounds and layout by Ryan/Candy Claws
