Catching up: Desert Noises, Lumineers, Evening Hymns and Chris Bathgate

Words // Adam Sharp

Scott did a little ‘catch-up’ post last week, and I figured I should probably do the same since it’s been awhile since I’ve shown my face (or, you know, my name) around here. Just because I haven’t recommended anything recently doesn’t mean there hasn’t been anything worth listening to. Here’s what I’ve been into lately.

‘Highway Cars’ - Desert Noises

These kids (seriously, they all look 12) from Utah make some absolutely beautiful music on their brand new LP Mountain Sea, with ‘Highway Cars’ being my favorite track. The band plays rock & roll with a youthful energy, sprinkling in harmonies that will remind you of Band of Horses and Fleet Foxes to round out their sound.

‘The Dead Sea’ - The Lumineers

This Denver outfit had their debut Daytrotter session released the other week and frankly it’s the best session I’ve heard on the site this year. ‘The Dead Sea’ is my favorite song from the session, a clever love song with a chorus that will undoubtedly be stuck in your head. This is one of the bands I’m most looking forward to hearing a proper full length from, and judging by the session I’m not going to be disappointed at all.

Lumineers - The Dead Sea (Daytrotter session)

‘Asleep in the Pews’ - Evening Hymns

I haven’t heard a more serenely beautiful song than this as of late, Jonas Bonnetta’s gorgeous voice sounding at once strong and vulnerable (and a whole lot like that of Sun Kil Moon’s Mark Kozelek). Their new album, Spectral Dusk, doesn’t come out until next year, which seems like an eternity to wait for more songs like this.

‘Everything (Overture)’ - Chris Bathgate

I’ve had a funny relationship with Chris Bathgate’s Salt Year, having bought it during the summer but not fully understanding its brilliance until recently, as the temperatures fell and the leaves started to fall like snow. Salt Year is a masterpiece of an album, with ‘Everything (Overture),’ a sweeping, brilliant hymn as its best tune and closer.