TBD/Ato Records is assimilating new groups like playing cards (White Rabbits, Other Lives, Radiohead), but not with shitty ones (the same repeats you would get in every pack, like a kicker/punter). Port O’Brien has signed w/TBD! We’re talking some sweet ass rookie cards that will be worth something someday. I caught them at a Diesel party at SXSW a couple of years ago, and I was smitten with their upbeat tempo and folk jam sound. They have a new label and a new record (threadbare out Oct 6th) coming out. The Sea Wolf I was talking about earlier today, well, it just got better.
Port O’Brien-My Will is Good [mp3]
and a word from their sponsor….
Port O’Brien is pleased to announce the release of their third album, threadbare, this October 6th on TBD Records (Radiohead, White Rabbits). The coastal California band, which started as a bedroom project of Van Pierszalowski and Cambria Goodwin, has been hard at work since the release of their acclaimed 2008 album, All We Could Do Was Sing, spending the better part of the last two years touring the world.
As 2009 began, the band started to prepare songs for what was to become threadbare. What started as a light-hearted and loose effort quickly turned into a dense, introspective work following the tragic loss of Cambria’s younger brother. They started recording at their friend Jason Quever of Papercuts’ living room studio in San Francisco. The songs were given a certain warmth and intimacy that couldn’t be achieved in a larger space. The sense of comfort they found gave them the ability to fully realize the weight of the songs. “In the Meantime” explores the desire for contentment in tumultuous times. “High Without the Hope” bookends the album, illuminating the emotion and sense of loss that was felt throughout the recording process.
After spending weeks recording with Jason, the band felt they could work in a more open space. They worked on the more celebratory and rhythmic songs in Los Angeles with Aaron Espinoza of Earlimart at the Ship recording studio. “My Will is Good” and “Oslo Campfire” describe the liberation that follows in the wake of making active changes in one’s life following tragedy.
Together these sessions create threadbare. Its become somewhat of a two sided record with dark, haunting, and at times meditative songs paired up with the untiring, somewhat aggressive and punchy anthems that Port O’Brien is becoming known for. The last few years have seen many adventures for the band. The creation of this record came with continuing changes both within the band personally, and sonically. Port O’Brien will continue to evolve. In the meantime, Threadbare stands as another mark this young band is leaving.
The band will be touring Europe this August, followed by a Fall tour with Sea Wolf. Touring band members include Tyson Voegel of Two Gallants and Graham LeBron of Rogue Wave. West Coast dates to be added soon.
Tour Dates
September 18 Portland, Or – Mississippi Studios (Music Fest NW)
September 22 Vancouver, BC – The Media Club*
September 23 Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern*
September 25 Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue*
September 26 Denver, CO – Hi-Dive*
September 28 Omaha, NE – The Slowdown*
September 29 Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry*
September 30 Milwaukee, WI – Mad Planet*
October 1 Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern*
October 2 St. Louis, MO – The Billiken Club*
October 3 Indianapolis, IN – Radio Radio*
October 4 Cincinnati, OH – Southgate House*
October 7 Columbus, OH – Wexner Center for the Arts*
October 9 Toronto, ON – Sneaky Dee’s*
October 10 Montreal, PQ – Il Motore*
October 13 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club*
October 14 New York, NY – The Mercury Lounge*
October 16 Brooklyn, NY – Union Hall*
October 17 Philadelphia, PA – North Star Bar*
October 18 Baltimore, MD – The Talking Head Club*
October 19 Washington, DC – DC 9*
October 21 Chapel Hill, NC – Nightlight Bar & Club*
October 23 Atlanta, GA – The Earl*
October 24 Nashville, TN – Exit In*
October 27 Dallas, TX – The Cavern*
October 28 Austin, TX – Emo’s Jr. *
October 30 Phoenix, AZ – Modified Arts*
* w/ Sea Wolf and Sara Lov