Band of the Week: Blitzen Trapper

[July 13 - 19]

Blitzen Trapper
Sounds Like: Folk / Indie-Pop
Drinking Buddies: Dr. Dog, My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes

Synopsis: Oh, is that what you thought folks was? Sorry, we changed it.

Makes You Want To...: Ponder; Rebel; Whistle.
[Myspace] / [Site]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Blitzen Trapper.


It's an interesting thing, how the tides turn from unfavourable to a blessing that will guide you into shore. It's intriguing how somehow those who are so biased against - those have only a voice, but no say - are so quickly given their say - are given their peace to speak atop the soapbox. Some have called it one's fifteen seconds of fame, and maybe they have been pursuing such fame, or such fame tripped and fell conveniently in their lap. But regardless, when the underdog, obstructed from view by the metaphorical skyscrapers of society that surround them, gets their opportunity to shine, it makes for all the more heroic story.

Have you heard of Blitzen Trapper, reader? I'd be shocked if you haven't at this point. This quirky sextet out of Oregon is one of those sudden success stories that have sailed to the top in a New York minute. With their somewhat experimental, southern sounding folks style, Blitzen Trapper hovered in a bubble of complete musical obscurity for the longest time, their biggest fans bravely touting them from the nooks and crannies throughout the internet as loud as they could muster. Alas, though they were perfectly comfortable with their position, for all the accolades Blitzen Trapper received, for all kind words endowed, nothing could break this shield against notoriety.

But they say good will overcome, and I suppose the same goes for good music. It was the release of Furr, Blizten Trappers' latest release, that slingshotted these boys into some immensely bright spotlights in the musical industry. With the pat on the back from the Sub-Pop Records family, Blitzen Trapper released their latest record, filled with uniqueness and intrigue on every inch of the album. As a result, they were subsequently hailed by the obvious fans - Pitchfork, Spin Magazine, and the like - but also praised by one of the most influential musical voices in the journalism industry: Rolling Stone Magazine featured Furr not only as a wonderful album that deserves your attention, but ranked it as one of the best albums of 2008.

And despite all the attention, they've remained quite humble through it all, albeit a bit busier than before. Blitzen Trapper is presently touring their hearts out all summer long. They'll be gracing the Pitchfork Music Festival in a few weeks, and will arrive back in the northwest, playing a free show with Throw Me The Statue in Seattle, and a festival in their hometown, Portland, before launching on a tour across Europe that can only be described by the words "impressive" or "epic." Your choice.

Blizten Trapper is on their fourth album with the release of Furr. They also have their eponymous debut, Field Rexx, and Wild Mountain Nation (which is an album you don't want to miss) under their belt, along with a slew of featurettes scattered across the internet, mostly on iTunes. They've been featured on Daytrotter a ridiculous FOUR TIMES in the last year (I, II, III, IV), their fourth session debuting on the site today - all of which I almost feel essentially constitutes an EP- each session is as sexy and unique as the last, filled with the most delightful folk twanging tunes you could ever dream up. You have to respect the fine boys and their passionate style. Get to listening, keep those ears on the speakers, and have a great week, reader.