New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Late last month, Nashville's Steelism released their sophomore album ism via their own imprint Intoxicating
Sounds distributed by Thirty Tigers. Ism marks the first time the band brings featured vocalists into their instrumental canon, with guest appearences from Tristen, Ruby Amanfu, Andrew Combs and
Jessie Baylin.
NPR's World Cafe premiered the video for "Eno Nothing" as part of their World Cafe: Nashville initiative and called it "equal parts Star Wars, The Jetsons, and The Twilight Zone." WXPN's Bruce Warren said, "On ism, the new album by Steelism, you can hear the influences of John Barry's legendary
James Bond scores, Lalo Schifrin's film soundtracks, the funky grit of Booker T & The MG's records, the spaghetti western sounds of Ennio Morricone, and the early production work of Brian Eno."
American Songwriter reviewed ism (4.5 out of 5 stars) and said "...the unusual concept has yielded some of the most quirky, vibrant and enjoyably eclectic music emerging from Nashville in decades." Glide Magazine gave it 8 out of 10 stars and called it "...a stylish, polished collection of songs that feels artfully curated."
The album was also embraced by Relix, Rolling Stone Country, and Consequence of Sound who called their song "Roulette" "...the soundtrack to a non-existent spy thriller set in the dusty West."
ism was co-produced by guitarist Jeremy Fetzer, pedal steel player Spencer Cullum(together known as Steelism) and Jeremy Ferguson (Lambchop, Tristen, Andrew Combs). Tracking began on November 9th, 2016, with the divisive results of the U.S. Presidential election just in. Respite was found through the creative process while holed up at Ferguson's
Battle Tapes Recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee. The usual Steelism rhythm section, Jon Radford (drums) & Jon Estes (bass), and Robbie Crowell (formerly of Deer Tick) on keys are heard throughout the record. Legendary studio musician Charlie McCoy (Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde) on vibraphone & harmonica and a lush string quartet provide the finishing instrumental touches.
Steelism will tour this summer and will play the prestigious Newport Folk Festival and Pilgrimage Fest, with more dates to be announced soon.
Tracklist:
1) Re-Member
2) Eno Nothing
3) Shake Your Heel (ft. Tristen)
4) Anthem
5) Roulette (ft. Ruby Amanfu)
6) Cup of Wasser
7) Chartreuse
8) Lonely Game (ft. Andrew Combs &
Jessie Baylin)
9) The Henchman / The Buffalo
10) Let it Brew
Tour Dates:
7/26: Boot & Saddle - Philadelphia, PA ^
7/27: Rockwood
Music Hall (Stage 2) - New York, NY
7/30: Newport Folk Fest - Newport, RI
7/31: The Birchmere - Alexandria, VA #
9/12 - 9/17: Americana Fest - Nashville, TN
9/23: Pilgrimage Fest - Franklin, TN *
—More dates coming soon—
* = co-bill w/ Ruby Amanfu
# = opening for
Nikki Lane
^ = opening for Tristen
