Band of the Week: The Scene Aesthetic

[May 4 - 10]

The Scene Aesthetic
Sounds Like: Alt-Pop / Acoustic
Drinking Buddies: Daphne Loves Derby, Nevershoutnever!, Secondhand Serenade

Synopsis: Think Kings of Convenience with a dash of Manifest Destiny. And guitars. Did I mention acoustic guitars?

Makes You Want To...: Sing; Dream; Hang out with friends
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is The Scene Aesthetic.


Humble, reader. I'm a huge fan of humble. I try to keep Voilà! as low key, easy to read, and humble as possible most of the times. Yeah, maybe we have some lofty standards for our writing, but that doesn't prevent a relaxed atmosphere for some neat musical reviews and literature. We're outspoken here at Voilà!, but certainly without arrogance and pretense. Humble is a great thing, and the same goes for music. Sûr, some bands climb so pretty impressive pedestals (no doubt built by the best of the best in ancient Greek architects), stand at the top, and cry aloud, "Hey, wimpier musical folks, we're on top, and cooler than you!" But where's the fun in that?

Voilà! prefers humble. If you're expecting Grammy award winning, international celebrity superstars, or deliberately confusing, overcomplicated slosh that is trolling the musical community for fellow pretentious music listeners; well, reader, you're not looking in the right place. Now, if you're hoping for something a bit more modest, you couldn't find a more honest, vibrant pool of music to dip your toes in. Sure, something gregariously huge like I'm From Barcelona, or something wildly intrepid like the Broken Social Scene are good sometimes, but there's nothing wrong with music that's toned down. It's the whole appeal for bands like Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Kings of Convenience, and Madeline.

Well it's time to add another band to this list of humble hipsters. They're not unknown; neigh, these boys are almost like friends to us. Old friends. The sort of friends you almost forgot about, but noticed walking down the sidewalk when they said hi to you. Old, great friend, that foster memories of parties gone by, singing in chorus with hearts, and minds, and smiles all as one. I'm talking about The Scene Aesthetic.

Oh yes, I have a feeling there are quite a few people frequenting Voilà! who know of these boys. The acoustic duo hailing from Everett, Washington - Eric Bowley and Andrew de Torres (of Danger Radio) - over their years pursuing some bubbly, budding musical - is humbleness at its finest. I remember the day and age when The Scene Aesthetic was just starting off. Two guys, some amateur demos recorded on sub-par equipment, a camera for a couple intimate live performances just for the viewer... these guys found me back in the day - not the other way around - and I've loved The Scene Aesthetic ever since.

Simplicity is key when trying to see what The Scene Aesthetic is all about. They started from bare basics - only two members, two voices, and two guitars. And that's all they needed, because their style - their poetry - their message - their music, was perfectly suited for the sound; The Scene Aesthetic didn't need complex instrumentation to raise the musical standards, nor did they need to lather up their sound in esotericism; they needed to play their guitars and sing. And that's all anyone wanted: two humble musicians who loved what they do.

Do you still doubt their appeal of The Scene Aesthetic, reader? When is the last time you have seen a small, new band disappear for nearly two years after the release of only a single record, and maintain well over 95% of their fanbase? Such a lofty accomplishment is all accredited to The Scene Aesthetic. After the release of the band's debut album, Building Homes from What We've Known, and some touring in support, Eric Bowley was scheduled to take a mission trip. He wandered off to Argentina for who knows how long now, yet fans poured love and support on the band throughout the entire hiatus. Now Bowley and de Torres are again reunited to their former dynamic, and that means more vibrant creativity is set light up in the extremely near future. You can expect some fabulous music, that's for sure, reader.

Upon Eric's return to the United States, The Scene Aesthetic launched a mini-homecoming tour in Washington and Texas. Now they're back home, minding their own; this certainly doesn't mean The Scene Aesthetic is quiet though. Both Andrew and Eric love to communicate with their fans; Andrew and Eric respectively have Twitter, and if you meander to Eric's, you can find the tracklisting to TSA's latest endeavour, A Type & A Shadow EP. If you're an artist, draw something Scene Aesthetic related, and send it to them! Or even call TSA , and leave them a message for them to hear online! You can go check The Scene Aesthetic and get to know them right here on Myspace.

But I digress... To music music: as mentioned, A Type & A Shadow EP has literally been announced in the last couple weeks, so there is quite a bit of buzz a'buzzin' 'round. Some of the songs from the brand new EP are floating around on The Scene Aesthetic's Myspace, including "Humans" and "Grace Looks Back (Where You Need To Be)." Also hovering about their Myspace is an infamous new cover song, pop sensation Taylor Swift's hit, "Love Story," which TSA recorded for the compilation Rockin' Romance. It's... it's really good guys... I need say nothing more about the song, so just listen! And finally, The Scene Aesthetic has their debut album, Building Homes from Places We Know, which you can find at your lovely place of music purchasing.

I hope you come to love The Scene Aesthetic as much as I have, folks. Give them a thorough listen. Since I'm feeling a bit nostalgic, here's a treat for newer fans of The Scene Aesthetic, from back in the good ol' days. But to all, have a wonderful, humble week, and be sure to smile. Peace, reader. Love, reader.