On Friday, May 1, Land Ski Records welcomes its fourth band into the fold with a self-titled EP by Murder Shoes. This group of five is comprised of: Tess Weinberg (vocals, keyboard), Derek Van Gieson (guitar), Chris White (guitar, vocals), Elliot Manthey (drums), and Tim Heinlein (bass). Following their Cash On Fire EP, Murder Shoes partnered with Knol Tate this time around to record, mix, and master a self-titled release. Join them on Sunday, May 3, for the release show at The Red Stag Supper Club at 10pm.
If you have yet to press play, the question, “what does Murder Shoes sound like?” is likely foremost in your mind. But even if you have heard their music, the question, “why ‘Murder Shoes’?” may remain. Well, it’s quite simple: there was a runoff vote, and ‘Murder Shoes’ won. The sound they create comes from a collective past experience creating tunes in the genres of R&B, electro-pop, post-hardcore, indie alternative, and even emo. Today, their interests include everything from The Pixies to Sharon Van Etten to Jessica Lea Mayfield and Courtney Barnett. So as the band members themselves admit, their inspiration comes from so many styles, it’s difficult to identify with just one genre. Yet there is a consensus that “broody, moody, and weird” has a good deal to do with the Murder Shoes sound.
They met mostly by accident. Chris, “met Derek as a regular at my bar and talked tunes, often.” And for Derek, Chris “was my go-to bartender when I moved to town.” Turns out most of them worked at this restaurant, then there was a house party, and as Chris claims, “Tess just showed up one day.” Sounds like Seinfeld.
Weinberg is the key in the lock for Murder Shoes, unlocking the perfect combination of sound and style. Delicate and concrete at once, she creates a laid-back, sultry rock and roll atmosphere while delivering definitive lyrics. In the first tune, “Charlotte Manning,” Weinberg states, “I can’t wait for you to come back.” There is a sense this defiant statement is not only for the person it’s about, but a reminder to oneself not to wait around. With a catchy bass line and jangly guitar, it’s a solid opener and tempts the ear for more.
Murder Shoes’ single off the EP, “Maybe You Can,” comes up next. The paces picks up for this wild west-like, old school rock and roll jam with a dark side. If the first track was a tease, this one’s a threat. Full of energy and charisma, the instrumentals say as much as Weinberg does. Don’t be surprised to hear this around town or on The Current come this summer.
There is some kind of refined simplicity in Murder Shoes’ rock and roll. There are no electronic extras, and they aren’t trying to replicate or modernize the past; their sound just has exactly what the ear needs to rock out. It’s catchy in an understated way, like the song at a party that puts you in a great mood, and you vow to look it up when you get home. That song, by the way, would be “Under the Sea.” In it, Weinberg croons, “I know we’ll get together” and “I want you to know what I already know” over a flirtatious beat. The next track, “Sea a Little Louder,” continues this moody feel. Starting off with a great bass riff, I imagine this song is what it sounds like to make eyes at someone across the room, and walk confidently through a crowded bar. Yet to the words of, “I guess I’m good at being alone” and “I do what it takes to go on,” it doesn’t exactly imply you’ll be conversing with that someone at the end of the night.
Finally, “In Your Bed or On a Train” takes the EP home, with an upbeat, faster paced, driving beat – a danceable one, too. It’s a strong ending to the recording, and there isn’t a weak track on it. These five set out to make great music, and the end result speaks to that goal. Not only does it sound like it was fun, but a rewarding experience as well. Weinberg mentioned her favorite part of the process was “getting to spend some irreplaceable time with the rest of the band.” While Chris added that they “need each other to make this music.” Aw shucks, guys. You really are all the cats at once.
http://www.murdershoesband.com/
http://landskirecords.com/bands/murder-shoes/
https://www.facebook.com/events/1573012456293009/
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