Get To Know: The Black Fortys
Southern witchery without southern drawl.
The Black Fortys may be from the small college town of Carbondale, but these guys are anything but quaint. This delightful quintet has been all over the US in their short year and a half together, from LA to Austin to New York City. Touring is a way a life for the band, not just a hope and a prayer. You may have even heard this band without even realizing it. Back in August the band won a college battle of the bands sponsored by American Eagle at the North American Music Union in Pittsburgh. On top of $10,000 and a recording contract in LA, the Black Fortys also have their music playing in American Eagle stores nationwide. So if you’ve ever found yourself tapping your toe to some Midwestern rock while treading the trendy waters of your local mall, it was probably the Black Fortys.
The band entered Chicago’s own Engine Studios in September, whose hosted bands such as Anathallo and Iron and Wine, to lay down what would become their latest EP Kaskaskia Island. Recorded and produced by Brian Deck, Kaskaskia Island marks the Black Fortys’ third album and was released February 14th. Lead singer Josh Murphy and bassist Carly Lappin have played together for five years before the Black Fortys, so their maturity together is apparent in the teamwork that is present on the EP. Every track seems like a collaborative effort rather than the work of one man. Their opening track “Beestings” quite literally attacks you like a swarm of angry bees, starting off with a simple guitar riff and roaring into fruition. Murphy’s voice amplifies this rise by growing with intensity and fervent every measure. Despite the laid-back nature of Kaskaskia Island, the Black Fortys still push their music to the brink of no return with great guitar parts and snappy drum beats.
Departing their touring stint with the Duke Spirit and Eulogies in December, The Black Fortys will be playing the Chicago venue the Empty Bottle April 2nd with Raise High the Roof Beam and Bob Dey’s Tank Engine Band. As a preview as to what their live set might be like, take a listen to their song “Kaskaskia Island Pt. 2.” Murphy’s lyrics are encouraging whispers before bursting into a chorus of “Oh sister please, don’t you let me fall.” It’s the gentle swell and ebb of the track that’s also throughout Kaskaskia Island that draws you into their music over and over again.
Posted by Amy Dittmeier on Mar 27, 2009 @ 12:00 am
