New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Something I Can't Shake Off started off simply as a set of songs to follow
National Barks' second EP PUPCAKE. This plan was derailed by numerous roster changes and a global pandemic forcing Adam Brandt and Jeffrey Earl - the founders of the band - to re-evaluate the purpose of their third EP. With a new bassist, Joe Memory, and a renewed sense of direction,
National Barks dives deep into a retro sound creating songs that hint at the dark and macabre while carrying fun, groovy, surfy, and spaghetti western elements to give each song a spooky yet inviting vibe.
"This EP captured our vision and concept more than any of our previous records" - Jeff
"The goal of our latest set of songs was to have the listener feel like they found a long lost rock'n'roll record from their cool uncle's collection. The retro vibe, combined with our constant quest to find new modern tones and textures helped us create a set of songs that captures what we like about both generations of music. Lyrically, the goal was to create imagery to place the listener in spaghetti westerns, psychological thrillers, and retro creature-feature films - all while maintaining a modern and relatable connection to each story. Personally, these songs were the most fun for me to work on so far - not only because the themes and ideas were fun, but because it was the most collaborative songwriting effort that we experienced as a band up to this point. We also had a lot of support from the sound wizards at Sabbath Recording and The Marble Garden. They were completely on board with our ideas, excited about the project, and were not satisfied until we found the exact sound and feel we wanted to achieve." - Adam
"Production, engineering, mixing, and moral support from Jacob Merritt (Pomegranates, Sabbath Recording), Isaac Karns (Pomegranates, The Marble Garden), and Matt Latchaw (Sabbath Recording, Moriah Pie) really helped us bring this project to life, and we can't thank them enough. I can't believe they still tolerate us after what we put them through." - Joe
"My only regret is not adding more vibraslap" - Joe
www.facebook.com/nationalbarksmusic
www.instagram.com/nationalbarksmusic
open.spotify.com/artist/0BCaMwNAH4g210IpToQ4Mi
www.youtube.com/channel/UC25fgdKkJ4nTC7F2uiXreJA/featured
nationalbarks.bandcamp.com
Bandmates Adam Brandt and Jeffrey Earl came up with the name "National Barks" to honor their first demo recordings as a newly created Cincinnati band. Each track unintentionally included Brandt's dogs barking in the background as pedestrians passed their practice space. Fortunately, the music matched the hounds' haunting howls, so the name stuck. With a retro, spooky vibe,
National Barks explores a side of rock that will make you feel like you're riding along with the gang solving mysteries or watching a closeup shot of Uma Thurman's Feet.
National Barks features Adam Brandt on guitar and vocals; Jeffery Earl on drums and vocals; and Joe Memory on bass.
Brandt and Earl met in 2010 while sharing margaritas with mutual friends in a greasy chicken wing diner on High Street in Columbus. As the friends discussed upcoming dates for Earl's post-punk band, Brandt - who had just started playing solo shows for small groups of friends - was asked to open their next show and warm up the crowd. He agreed but only if he could have part of the band back him up. With a few margaritas down the hatch, Brandt joined Earl in his damp basement practice space to plan their set.
Brandt and Earl quickly formed a strong friendship and a new band - The Helionauts. The Helionauts played alternative, poppy, progressive, funky rock throughout the Columbus area for five years until the band reached a crossroads. Brandt had completed school, Earl wanted to go back to school, and both felt trapped in mind-numbing corporate jobs. They decided to disband The Helionauts to get a fresh start on life and music.
After years of roster changes, bassist Joe Memory joined the band as it prepared for its 2020 EP—Something I Can't Shake Off. Though new to the band, Memory greatly influenced the sound and themes of this new set of songs - creating tight and dynamic bass grooves as well as arranging synth, organ, and guitar melodies. Something I Can't Shake Off comes out Friday 10/2/20. The EP will be available through all digital and streaming platforms.
