When Levees approached me in early November about reviewing their soon-to-be-released EP, I professed (mostly to myself) that little of my time is spent writing these days. However, I agreed. There seemed plenty of time to consume and digest the 5-track sophomore release, self-described “desert voodoo blues rock.” Plus, Levees make it easy by having their shit together.
Feeling blasé about the whole preview/review process, I sat down with Another Medicine for a first listen last night. I immediately remembered why previewing local releases is always worth my time, it’s energizing. 30 seconds into the first track I realized, I am excited to listen to this EP.
Comprised of brothers Kyle [guitar] and Kody Anderson [vox], Jeff Palacios [bass] and Skyler Ellis [drums], Levees has been impressing us since day 1 on the scene. Their self-titled first release, Levees, debuted in January earlier this year, just shy of their 1-year band birthday. Rolling into their second year, Levees has filled out nicely.
Another Medicine, recorded with Aaron Harvey at AMH Studios in San Antonio, maintains the group’s gritty melodies rooted in heavy grooves while incorporating the artistic expression of “duende,” developed by Federico Garcia Lorca. Focused on creating a haunting presence heard throughout the EP’s arrangements, Levees blend dark voodoo blues and pop melodies over pocket rhythms.
When asked why the band went with AMH Studios, Kyle explained, “Because we had such a positive experience recording our self-titled EP with Aaron at AMH, we decided to record Another Medicine there as well. Most importantly, we love how the final recordings turn out. Aaron is an experienced producer that makes the recording process easy but also adventurous, as he is always willing to explore ideas and tones, and help us make final calls on parts and takes when we couldn’t agree as a band.”
My brain places Another Medicine somewhere between The Black Key’s, El Camino and Lonely Horses’, Desert Sons. Yours will probably place it somewhere else, and that’s rad. This is jam-on-your-way-to-work music, sing-like-you-got-limo-tint music, and [probably] your sit-around-and-smoke music. The songs are well-written and drenched in duality, flirting with the grime of rock n roll and the playfulness of pop. Kyle tells us, “The blues rock portion of our description is the more straightforward naming of our music so people know what camp we reside in. The desert voodoo comes from the blend of our geographic background. Kody and I spent our childhood in New Orleans and nearly the last decade in San Antonio, and we think the culture of each of these places have strongly influenced our sound.”
Levees members play well together, on and off stage – not sure if having two brothers in tow helps or hurts, but one thing’s for sure – Jeff and Skyler have the rhythm section on lock. While Kody howls over Kyles guitar riffs, the bass and drums cavort effortlessly keeping break downs tight and the overall sound seamless. Jeff and Skyler had never jammed before this band, but Another Medicine is a great testament to what they’ve added to the creative potential of Levees. Kyle recalls, “on the debut self-titled EP, we were between bass players, so Kody and I wrote and recorded all the bass parts, and Kody had actually written some of the drum vibes when we demoed the songs before Skyler joined the bands. This new EP has everyone bringing their own ideas to their best instrument, which has made for stronger, more dynamic songs.”
He’s right. They are stronger. The band has made progress, and better yet – it’s cohesive progress that reflects San Antonio’s bustling talent and production community. Ready to celebrate? Me too. Turn up at Paper Tiger this Saturday, December 3rd for the official release party featuring Michael J. & The Foxes, Pop Pistol, and of course, Levees (tix available here)! Can’t wait? Tomorrow, November 29 Ventura hosts an all-ages listening party from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M., we’re pretty sure you’re invited.
Levees will follow up the EP release with Southwestern show dates in December and early 2017. Check out the video for “Broken Cup” below.
