Faces On Film / Waiting For GA

Words // Scott Pingeton

Why Faces On Film isn't more well-known, I don't know.  Adored by bloggers and fellow musicians, they somehow fly under the radar of the broader public consciousness.  The Troubles was easily one of my favorite records of 2008, as was 2010's follow-up Some Weather.  Mike Fiore's captivating songwriting and rich compositions evoke memories and places, exuding warmth and familiarity on first listen.  Records to curl up with on a rainy day or cold night.

Mike Fiore recorded a new song, "Waiting For GA" for Shaking Through, the fantastic series that documents and celebrates the creation of new music.  The track features Fiore's hallmarks - clean guitars, lush melodies and reverby vocals.  It fits perfectly into the Faces On Film catalogue, and hopefully is a harbinger of more new music to come. 

Faces On Film - Waiting For GA

Watch the fascinating video which follows the process of arranging and recording the song, with commentary from Fiore and Marissa Nadler who curated the episode.  And check out Shaking Ground for more videos and commentary from the sessions.

Please support both Shaking Through and Faces On Film.

Visible Voice Winter 2011 Mixtape

So, this is the first of what will be a quarterly thing on Visible Voice...the seasonal mixtape.  I plan to use these mixtapes as an opportunity to share some of my favorite new music.  Great tunes by local or not-so-local bands that you should know and, in many cases, tracks that have not been officially or widely released yet.  For this inaugural winter mix a cold, snowy Boston is my (our) backdrop and, fittingly for this time of year, many of the songs here evoke themes of reflection.  During the cold winter months I find that the music I listen to becomes increasingly spare, unadorned, raw.  These songs fit that mold; gritty and uncompromising, yet intensely beautiful.  I'm sharing this as two "sides" (think cassettes, vinyl), instead of individual mp3s, so that this might be listened to as a cohesive whole.  There will also be a limited number of physical copies available with individual tracks, please email if you'd like one.  

A huge thanks goes out to all of the bands that agreed to take part.  Please support them by buying their music and going to shows.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I have putting it together -- and please share!

Side A
1. You Are Not My Love - Wooden Dinosaur
2. I'll Be Fooled Again - Twain
3. Great Move North - Faces On Film
4. Wither on the Vine, pt. 2 - The Old Ceremony
5. Wolves of Winter - Lonesome Lake

Side B
1. Dancing On Your Tears - Hands and Knees
2. Long Time - Guards
3. Sweeties Babies - Push Pals
4. Say What You Will - Joe Fletcher & The Wrong Reasons
5. Crooked Road Blues - Mount Peru

New music: Faces On Film - Some Weather

     

Faces On Film's debut, The Troubles, was one of my favorite albums of 2008.  Now, two years later the band is back with follow-up Some Weather.  Where The Troubles recalled Modest Mouse at times, but mostly explored the darker side of indie-folk, the new record adds reverb and loud/quiet dynamics, creating truly epic songs that remind me at times of classic My Morning Jacket and The Walkmen.  Smart arrangements give the songs room to breathe, but add unique touches - sleigh bells pop up often, rich piano and organ compliment acoustic and electric guitars.  Still, the focus of these songs is Mike Fiore's personal lyrics which soar above the music, painting vivid scenes and memorable melodies.  With two beautiful records under their belts, Faces on Film are a band that deserve to be heard and loved by a national audience - hopefully it's just a matter of time.

Check out the band's bandcamp page where you can stream and buy the album.  Check out one of my favorite tracks from the album below:

Faces On Film - Moon's Row

Catch Faces On Film TONIGHT at the Paradise with Blitzen Trapper - tickets are still available