On a clear Autumn afternoon, this song resonates amongst setting sunbeams and breezing park trees. Truth be told, I would imagine and hope it plays in some last remnant record store somewhere during the not-so slaved-over hours; and sometime after, have two store clerks argue ostentatiously about whether this Ohio band sounds more like hayday Built to Spill or psych-folk greats Neutral Milk Hotel.
There are similarities to be sure, but I say duke it out with someone who knows less than you so at least you come out on top, snooty and victorious.
Saintseneca (all one word) is a folk band from Columbus, Ohio consisting of band members Zac Little, Grace Chang, Luke Smith and Steve Jacob, and to say the least, they're remarkable. Euphonious and rousingly anthemic, Saintseneca is an act whose full catalog is variant in themes and prolific in folkish niceties - handclaps, harmonicas, affecting lyricism, fiddly strummings, and soaring violins.
So, because we love them, I cheated on today's post and placed two tracks from two different releases for your pleasure. "Grey Flag" is the title track from their 2010 5-track cassette/digital EP. It's the choice track for your introduction for its build and lyrical duality from "I want to spit in you face" to "Wait, I'm on your side". It's your not-so typical (or is it?) folk song teetering on displeasure and surrender.
"Cold Water History" is one of their first recorded songs and was officially released this August in their full LP Last. It's a footstompy love song that's been speaking to me as of late and I couldn't help but pass it over. So play this off my heartstrings.
I am open to your kind exploitation.
Download: Saintseneca - Grey Flag.mp3
Download: Saintseneca - Cold Water History.mp3
