Soft Abuse newsletter: Nathan Bowles debut LP/CD, Mad Nanna 7", Threads ltd lathe, Tilth pre-orders, more...

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Nov 25, 2012, 11:30:29 PM11/25/12
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Greetings all,

It's been a few months since I've written. Hope all's well with you as 2012 winds down....

There's a few new records available this time around, as well as a pre-order... Please be patient, this email's a bit lengthy.
First & foremost, we're pleased and honored beyond belief to offer the solo debut from Nathan Bowles as a LP / CD release. This one's about a week or so old and it's a heavy one, which should surprise no one that's aware of Mr. Bowles past work with Black Twig Pickers, Pelt, Jack Rose, and as a percussionist with Pigeons. His album is pure banjo soli & it's a massive one with twists & turns throughout. Even more info on his album further along, but for now enjoy this beautiful tin type of the man himself...


We've also tickled to be offering a new single from Australia's Mad Nanna, their third such-sized release from the crew this year. The band has scaled back from a quintet to a trio in recent months and are more streamlined than ever, though just as confounding. This band is completly inspiring to me, and I couldn't be happier to have released some of their songs. Here's a recent photo of the band...



Last but surely not least this time around is the super-limited debut release from Threads, AKA Sandra Selig (Primitive Motion, The Deadnotes) and Stuart Busby (The Deadnotes). These two have created a perfect batch of timeless bummer DIY pop. The pair issued this single a month or so ago via Leighton Craig's Kindling label in an edition of 20, which sold out right away. Soft Abuse quickly signed-on for a US version, again in an edition of only 20 (!), pressed here in Minneapolis by 2208 Records' Graham Baldwin. Should go fast...

Also below is some information on a pre-order for the debut from Tilth, a new tape machine, guitar, etc duo comprised of Nathan McLaughlin and Cody Yantis. The two worked on the record for a year, and the result is a beautiful drifting, moody work. Recently augmented by Joe Houpert on percussion / violin, the group played a string of shows in Minnesota recently. Their record will be available in December, in an edition of only 100 copies, all housed in hand-printed sleeves by Casey Deming.

Without further adieu...


Nathan Bowles "A Bottle, A Buckeye" LP / CD



“Armed with an instrument built by a friend (the Buckeye of the title) and a bottle of bourbon, these recordings have an intimate intensity that keeps the production austere. That means uptempo pieces like “Charlie’s Pontoon” or “Craig Street Hop” demand an attentive (and happy) ear instead of footstomping thoughtlessness. When Bowles bows or slides (as on “Beans”) and brings the tempo down for the traditional “Elk River Blues” or "Uttararama”, the virtues of a serious banjo album are clearer still: inventive, distinctive, tuneful. In a world with too many solo guitar players,Bowles shows the banjo to be a valid riposte.” – Nick Southgate, The Wire

Hard to believe our planet had not yet been graced with Nathan Bowles solo recordings until now, but such is the case. After years of playing in celebrated ensembles, touring the world, and honing his skill on a host of instruments, Bowles unveils his first solo effort: A Bottle, A Buckeye. The spacious, rollicking, meditative, and above all powerful record bridges the methods and constructs of his two most notable groups – Black Twig Pickers (old-time) and Pelt (outer limits) – while inhabiting a space all its own.

Armed only with a 5-string openback banjo (built by Nathan's neighbor Greg Galbreath at the Buckeye Banjos workshop) and a bottle of Elmer T. Lee, Bowles recorded and mixed the record with Jason Meagher at Black Dirt Studio over two days in December 2011. Bowles' recent focus on the instrument's various possibilities is on full display – bowed & drummed textures, clawhammer boogie, and banjo soli sidewinding. With a mixture of traditional folk tunes, original compositions, and reinterpretations of material from players who've passed on, this is a varied ride with a serious player at the helm.

Stream / download two songs from the album here: https://soundcloud.com/soft-abuse/sets/nathan-bowles-a-bottle-a
Purchase the LP (with insert and DL) or CD here: http://softabuse.com/catalog.php?catno=SAB058

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Mad Nanna "My Two Kids" 7"



Another crucial transmission from planet Mad Nanna. This time around, Michael Zulicki & co. chug with a loose togetherness on the a-side, “My Two Kids”; one of their most charmed and straightforward tunes (that roaming refrain notwithstanding) with a touch of cosmic Velvets twinkle. On the flip, “I'm Not Coming Here”, the trio conjure Jandek and Alastair Galbraith with an elongated, lonesome and sedate jam that feels barely harnessed by those involved. Primo wayward / dishevelled rock murmurs from these Australian boys.

My Two Kids is a companion release of sorts to their single on Unwucht (same tunes, diff versions), and features lettering by Raf Spielman of Eggy Records. Edition of 300.

Stream / download the song "My Two Kids" here : https://soundcloud.com/soft-abuse/mad-nanna-my-two-kids
Purchase the 7" here : http://softabuse.com/catalog.php?catno=SAB057

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Threads "Tall Building" 7" lathe



Debut from this orbiting entity of The Deadnotes/Kindling Records/Primitive Motion universe. Minimal, mournful and profound DIY vapor-pop a la Young Marble Giants or The Gist, Julee Cruise, Tenniscoats, etc.. Edition of 20 copies.

Stream / download the song "Constellation" here : https://soundcloud.com/soft-abuse/threads-constellation
Purchase the lathe cut 7" here : http://softabuse.com/catalog.php?catno=SAB061


Coming in December / pre-order

Tilth "Angular Music" LP


A swirling stillness, liquified nightmares and desolate incantations: these elements entwine within the debut from Tilth, titled Angular Music. Through seven meditative pieces, the duo of Nathan McLaughlin (tapes, etc) and Cody Yantis (guitar, etc) take a trip into fatigue, informed first-hand by the conditions from the which this music springs. 
Edition of 100 copies with hand-printed sleeves by Casey Deming.

Here's a preview from the album : https://soundcloud.com/soft-abuse/tilth-godfather

To pre-order: send $18 (USA ppd) / $21 (Canada/Mexico ppd) / $28 (rest of world ppd) via Paypal to in...@softabuse.com with a note stating this is for the Tilth LP
I'm offering pre-orders to list people first; apologies for the old-style ordering method here!


2012 recap!

 
Myrrh "Myrrh" LP

 
Ulaan Markhor "Ulaan Markhor" LP / CD

 
Suspensers "Too Dumb to Live, Too Stoned to Die" CS

 


New Distributed Releases

 
Brute Heart "Wildfire" 7'
New single on Mississippi subsidiary Waterwing.

 
Brute Heart "Fever" 7'
Single from earlier in 2012, released by M'Lady's.

 
Kraus "Supreme Commander" LP
LP edition - with bonus track - of Kraus' Dungeon Taxis cassette from 2011. New from Moniker Records.

 
Mad Nanna "I've Been Talking" 7'
US edition of their debut single, released by the bafflingly great Little Big Chief label.

 
Myrrh "Hymns" CS
New tape, features the trio line-up in fine form. Released by Lighten Up Sounds.

 
Primitive Motion "Two Ellipses" CS
Hot off the presses new tape from PM, at last. Released by Room 40 sub-label A Guide to Saints. 


Band Happenings / Shows

Nathan Bowles
Solo gigs are materializing in support of the new album...
11/24 - Charlottesville, VA - Meade Hall @ Christ Episcopal Church (with Mark Fosson, Daniel Bachman)
11/30 - Durham, NC - Duke Coffeehouse

Brute Heart
Fresh off two amazing performances of their score to Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (soon to be released as a CS by Moon Glyph), Brute Heart are planning some wintertime midwest shows. More information soon!
12/06 - Minneapolis, MN - Kitty Cat Klub

Horrid Red
Their second LP - Nightly Wreaths - is now available via Terrible Records.

It Hurts
Great new Auckland trio will have a Soft Abuse single in early 2013. Features Duckling Monster from Futurians. Hurting songs.

Mad Nanna
Rumors of a 2013 US tour are seemingly more and more likely... Stay tuned...

Myrrh
They're still getting lots of love from KDVS and WFMU... WMFU session is in the works for 2013. 
12/08 - Saint Paul, MN - Turf Club (with The Blind Shake)

Pigeons
The band has been quiet for much of the year, but will re-emerge in support of "Royal Trux" performing Twin Infinitives next month. Should be insane.
12/08 - Brooklyn, NY - Saint Vitus (with "Royal Trux" performing Twin Infinitives)

Pumice
New recordings are in the works for a Soft Abuse single, to be released next year.

Tilth
The band recently recorded a Free Form Freakout podcast in conjunction with their first few live performances. Listen in here: http://fffreakout.blogspot.com/2012/11/fffoxy-podcast-9-with-in-studio-guests.html

Ulaan Markhor
Album #2 is complete, and as-yet untitled. Slated for release on Soft Abuse in spring or summer 2013.


...2013!

Assuming we're all still around, Soft Abuse will turn ten years old in 2013. Hard to imagine.
Look for new stuff next years from Pumice, It Hurts, Suspensers, Ulaan Markhor, Exiles From Clowntown, and assorted other surprises. Yours truly will be involved in a new label, too -- fruit & flowers -- with a few releases in the works. More info on all of this in due time.


That's all for now -- thanks for reading & for the continued support.

Take care,
Chris / Soft Abuse


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SOFT ABUSE
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