First Look: Santa
It’s hard to write objectively about music your friends make - which is why you’ve not seen any mention of Santa here before - but I’ve been spinning their new EP a lot recently and think it’s time to spread the word to the masses. The five-piece have amassed a significant following in their home state with extensive gigging around the Champain area, and now they’re ready to take things to the next level with the release of their sophomore EP, My Bones.
Led by the two-headed cousinly attack of guitarists Stanton and Mack McConnell, the EP is a lovely little affair full of laid-back summer jams that evoke reminiscences of late afternoons on the beach and the long light of summertime. “Hashish” is all breezy keyboard tones and stories of young love lost but not forgotten, while songs like “Over” and the EP’s lead-off track “The Crumble” showcase the exceptional songwriting ability of the former McConnell (that would be Stan, for those of you keeping score at home). The recordings are tight and polished thanks to fine production from Brian Zieske, and the whole thing is a decidedly professional outing for a band decidedly still a bit wet behind the ears. Here’s “Hashish”, the would-be single off My Bones, in all its summerloving glory. Feedback welcome, y’all, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments.
MP3: “Hashish” - Santa
Speaking of Brian Zieske, dude’s calling card in the immediate future will most likely become the production work he’s done with Sars Flannery on his forthcoming debut LP, Sale of the Century. There’s been a bit of buzz swirling around the up and coming Chicago singer-songwriter for a minute now (including a rumored offer on the table from Top 40 kingmakers Fueled By Ramen), and while most of his oeuvre isn’t really my cup of tea, “Empty Gun” sounds like a surefire American radio hit to me, even if it’s slightly reminiscent of the kind of thing that could have enjoyed much more success had it come around in the late 90’s. Major label A&R folks take note, this shit is tailor made for the US charts.
MP3: “Empty Gun” - Sars Flannery
Those of you in the Chicago area would do well to hit up the Abbey Pub this Sunday for Santa’s Chicago debut, where they’ll be taking the stage and pushing their wares alongside a bunch of other Chi-Town bands they’re probably significantly better than. I mean, it’s a Sunday night and - let’s be real - you really don’t have anything better to do.