One of Popwreckoning’s favorite bands, Golden Bloom, in part vecause of amazing music they play but also because front man Shawn Fogel is one of the nicest guys we’ve ever met, will [finally! =)] be releasing their debut full-length, Fan The Flames, on August 18th.
The multi-talented instrumentalist Fogel is as comfortable on piano, bass guitar and tenor sax as he is on a keyboard, harmonica, and drums — proven by his numerous side projects. He demonstrates his talents by playing all the instruments on Fan the Flames while playing live with a full-lineup which includes author and journalist Michael Azerrad on drums.
We brought you the album’s first single, “’Doomsday Devices”, produced by Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Mates of State) a while back, and hope you’re just as excited as we are to hear the new record. In addition to Katis, Fogel then went on to work with producers Roger Greenawalt (Ben Kweller) and Dylan Magierek (Mark Kozelek) to lend an ear to the pop-centric melodies.
“A great album is only as good as the sum of its parts, so I like to focus on one song at a time rather than thinking about the album as a whole until it’s pretty much done. In the end, each song was well suited to the individual producer’s style and influence. Peter, Dylan, Roger and Ryan each added their own strength and creativity to create a collection of songs that are both varied and cohesive.†– Shawn Fogel
The new LP directs much attention at today’s shifting political climate. Golden Bloom tests the dichotomy between hope and fear, bright sunny melodies shadowing the questions pervading society. A state of cause and effect, Fan the Flames explores the exploitation of peoples’ fears which lead to that spark of passion to make a difference.
“Most of the songs I’ve written in the past stemmed from personal relationships and existed very much in my head. These new songs are different – they come from a frustrated optimism, or an optimistic frustration. They’re less about what’s going on in my head and more about what’s going on in our country and our planet.†– Fogel
Golden Bloom – “Doomsday Devices”
Tracklisting:
01. EHM
02. Doomsday Devices
03. Fan the Flames
04. She Leaves Me Poetry
05. The Fight at the End of the Tunnel
06. Dead Petals
07. If You Believe
08. The Mountainside Says
09. Theme for an Adventure at Sea
Golden Bloom: website | myspace
Photo: Dese’Rae Stage
