After months of re-recording, Vancouver-based Brasstronaut, will debut its initial full-length album Mount Chimaera this Spring. Named after the fabled home of the fire-breathing immortal composed of parts from a lion, goat and serpent, this record skillfully unifies the classically-trained talents of the six-piece into an awe inspiring beast.
Set for release on Unfamiliar Records, label for Canadian indie darlings Japandroids and No Gold, the album was originally recorded in early 2009 at the Banff Center when the group did a residency at the acclaimed arts institution. After adding two members, re-recording some sections, and remixing others tracks in a variety of settings, including Vancouver, New York, and Oberlin, OH, frontman, vocalist and keyboardist Edo Van Breemen remarks proudly that, “it’s anything but a lo-fi record.”
The rich sound, amplified with the human-intensity of the EWI, is generated by a array of classically trained musicians playing a wide array of instruments: Bryan Davies (trumpet, flugelhorn, glock), Edo Van Breemen (vocals, keyboards), John Walsh (bass, guitar), Brennan Saul (percussion), Tariq Hussain (lap steel, guitar), Sam Davidson (EWI, clarinet). Album opener “Slow Knots” is already available on the band’s Myspace, so head over there and witness just how well the group can meld their distinct sound.
The 8-track release will be available March 23, just days after the band’s scheduled appearances at this year’s South by Southwest. The band’s tour will commence in February, and span Canada and the U.S. in support of Mount Chimaera. They’ll be joining Woodhands for part of the tour, as well as label-mates Makeout Videotape, though they haven’t confirmed for which dates yet.
Mount Chimaera Tracklist:
01. Slow Knots
02. Hand Behind
03. Lo Hi Hopes
04. Six Toes
05. Hearts Trompet
06. Ravan
07. Same Same
08. Insects
Brasstronaut 2010 Tour Dates:
02/20 – Nelson, BC @ The Royal On Baker
02/24 – Edmonton, AB @ The Pawn Shop *
02/25 – Calgary, AB @ Broken City *
02/26 – Saskatoon, SK @ Amigo’s *
02/27 – Winnipeg, MB @ Lo Pub *
03/01 – Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
03/03 – Chicago – IL @ The Dark Room
03/09 – New York, NY @ Piano’s
03/10 – Brooklyn, NY @ Littlefield
03/12 -Toronto, ON @ Canadian Music Week
03/13 - Toronto, ON @ Canadian Music Week
03/15 – Jamestown, NY @ Mojos
03/17 – Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/18 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/19 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/20 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/22 – Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar
03/24 – Montreal, QC @ Divan Orange
03/25 – Ottawa, ON @ Blacksheep Inn
03/27 – Hamilton, ON @ Casbah Lounge
* = w/ Woodhands
