The first quarter of the year closes out with this week’s batch of new releases from artists like Vivian Girls’ bassist Katy Goodman’s second solo album as La Sera; the new supergroup, Poor Moon, founded by two former members of Fleet Foxes; the debut from orchestra pop band Oberhofer; the country and folk-influenced pop of Justin Townes Earle; the sophomore release from Swedish trio Miike Snow, and Paul Weller’s 11th studio solo album since The Jam broke up.
[zbplayer]There are also noteworthy new albums from The Mars Volta, who turn out a largely experimental LP, and the amazingly melodic debut from Caveman. Don’t miss the new single from Low band member Alan Sparhawk‘s latest release via his side project, the Retribution Gospel Choir.
First up, though, is the debut release by Poor Moon, a band that was originally formed in 2008 by Fleet Foxes and Crystal Skulls members, Christian Wargo, and Casey Wescott, and brothers, Ian and Peter Murray, of the San Francisco band The Christmas Cards.
Long-time friends, Poor Moon began as a long-distance collaboration, working on demos and sending them back and forth to one another while Wargo and Wescott were touring extensively in support of Fleet Foxes’ hugely successful, and critically acclaimed, self-titled debut album. Soon after, the four began to take the project more seriously, and started performing house parties in Seattle using a variety of playful and disposable monikers, such as Cookie Mask and Rabbit Kingdom.
However, it was when the band opened for Deakin at the Seattle venue, Neumos, under the alias Peppermint Majesty, that things really started to get rolling for the band. As the months wore on, and the band spent more time together recording and performing, they realized they had something special that was worth pursuing. It was then that Sub Pop signed them up.
The four members eventually decided on the name Poor Moon, the title of Wargo’s favorite Canned Heat song. This week, after four years in the making, the band released their first debut EP, Illusion, which is available for only $4.95 via Amazon.
However, hard core Fleet Foxes fans, indie folk aficionados and Sub Pop enthusiasts, who realize the value that a first pressing may have in the future, can grab the vinyl edition or CD version via Amazon as well.
MP3: “People in Her Mind” – Poor Moon from Illusion on Sub Pop
Poor Moon kicked off their first cross-country tour at The Loft on the University of California San Diego campus in La Jolla, California March 20th. They’ve played eight cities so far (as of 3/29) with another 16 to go, when they will wrap up on April 20th at The Aquarium in Fargo, North Dakota.
The very talented band, and Sub Pop artist, Lost in the Trees, are opening for Poor Moon for the entire tour with the exception of the last three gigs. Check out Lost in the Trees’ new single, and more, released last week. Get details on Poor Moon tour dates via Sub Pop.