When Exeter band, Count To Fire, sent us a message via our Myspace page asking to be Band of the Month, we realised it had been some time since we had a band up via this route. However, Count To Fire are no strangers to R13, when their debut album was released our Avril Simister gave it a cool 10 out of 13 and even came up with these comments in the review "Count To Fire's brand of lush Americana is far rawer than anything currently charting, but all the elements of thoughtful songwriting and irresistible melodies are already in place" and "It's clear they have an established sound with plenty of potential to move on."
Well it looks as though they have used plenty of that potential with their sophomore album, which has just been released, so what better time to introduce our September Band of the Month, Count To Fire.
Bio:
There are plenty of British bands around who have tried to take inspiration from the intimacy and expansive sound of Americana, but end up losing their own identity in the process. Not so Count To Fire. The Exeter band quickly outgrew their American influences to establish themselves as one of the most engaging groups in the UK.
Formed over a love of Wilco and My Morning Jacket, Count To Fire released their debut album "Songs That Remind Me Of You" in 2008. The release was warmly received by fans and critics, and drew the attention of top producer Colin Cripps, who has worked with Kathleen Edwards, Jim Cuddy and Oh Susanna. He invited the band over to Catherine North Studios in Canada last year, and so songwriters Will Odgers and Joe Baxter set off with Joe Mansfield (Violin) and new drummer Dan Stewart in tow to record their second record.
Sleeping in the studio, the band bunkered down for just 10 days to capture their finest songs to date. Mixed by Colin Cripps and TW Walsh, the result is "In Another Life", an album that both builds on its predecessor and glides gracefully into a higher echelon.
More adventurous than their debut, the new record is an impressive collection of mature songwriting, as a band that always showed promise deliver in spades. Count To Fire are a firm favourite for those who appreciate finely crafted songs, delicately wondrous sounds and impassioned delivery.
Members:
Will Odgers
Joe Baxter
Joe Mansfield
Dan Stewart
Ray Hill
Influences:
Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Arcade Fire, Neil Young, Bon Iver, Nick Cave, Ryan Adams
Sounds Like:
English Alt-Country (REM via Radiohead)
Current release and where it's available:
"In Another Life", release date September 6th, CD available from Amazon now
Up and coming artists you would recommend:
Cocos Lovers (cool vocal harmonies)
Silent Film Project (consummate professionals)
Hot Dub Bikini Party (great fun band).
Future Plans:
Get lots of national radio play and reviews. Play some bigger festivals next summer.
Tour Dates:
17th September, Album Launch Party @ The Old Firehouse Exeter, 10pm
17th-19th September Acoustica Festival Exeter Phoenix (exact time/date tbc)
24th September Cambridge Folk Club
21st October The Famous Old Barrell Exmouth
If you were the prime minister for one day, what would you do:
Order everyone to turn off all TVs and computers and go to their nearest live gig.