Local Flavor: Stark Raving Calm
Stark Raving Calm - The White Morning of 2124
There are some local Springfield bands I don’t post about simply because I’ve heard them so much that I wouldn’t want to write about them unless something significant happens (ex. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin). With Stark Raving Calm, I’ve never written about them for a completely different reason. They’re my good friends, and while I’ve seen their shows about as much as any band’s in Springfield, I see the guys themselves just as much. So it just never crosses my mind to write about them over, say, a new Bishop Allen Ep.
But now is as good a time as any, as they’ve recently self-recorded their newest album entitled The White Morning of 2124. I believe it’s somewhat of a concept album, but I’m not sure exactly what it all means. What I do know is that they’re just getting better and better, and considering these guys are all some of the best musicians at their respective instrument that I’ve seen live both locally and compared to quite a few bands, I can only imagine someone’s going to either see one of their live shows around the midwest, or get a hold of their cd and want to sign them. Their music’s not for everyone, but anyone that enjoys post-rock of any kind, from Godspeed to Explosions in the Sky, these guys are right up there with them. Give them an actual budget and a string section like Godspeed and you’ll have one hell of an album. As it stands now, their newest album is full of atmospheric rock, complex guitar, bass, and drum parts, and as many 7+ minute epics as any big post-rock band out there.
As their friend, and as a huge fan, I’ll just leave it at the above and tell you that you should check out their live show if you’re in the midwest, and listen to the mp3’s to see what you think. If you enjoy it and want their album, for now just go to their myspace and leave them a message that you want one. They don’t have anything set up online to sell them yet, but considering they’re some of the nicest guys I know, I’m sure they’d be more than happy to figure out a way to get you a copy.
Upcoming Shows
1/19/07 Springfield, MO Remmington’s (w/hyperbole, cinemascope, and marvelous vernon)
2/13/07 Kansas City, MO The Hurricane
3/15/07 Springfield, MO The Inferno
I’ve got to say I’ve never been one to put compliments out there for any band not from seatle, WA…but the more I listen to allel and 2124 the more I realize they’re just plain good. If anyone ever visits this, second this writer’s request for more allele tracks at the live shows. That album has some stuff worth diseminating. Go bears.
SRC fan