Sex without love

There are probably a good dozen e-mails that find there way into my inbox every day from bands and labels wanting me to check them out, be it for this site or groups pimping themselves on MySpace. I ignore most of the requests, since I’m not into every band toiling away in their garage.

Just a hint, kids… just because I like Rancid does not mean I want to listen to your anarcho-punk group. A few common stylistic elements do not a match in heaven make.

However, the kind folks at Total Assault, known for their promotion of big-name acts like Red Hot Chili Peppers are taking on a band “‘pro bono’ because [they] love the music so much.” Hell, if a band’s that fucking good, I figure I’ll have to take a listen. Thus, I grabbed some mp3s from Nathan Asher & the Infantry and got myself hip to their music.

Nathan Asher & the Infantry is out of Raleigh, NC. They recently won both the John Lennon International Songwriting Contest and the Great American Songwriting Competition (in the Rock / Alt category) for their song “Turn Up The Faders”

Goddamn if it isn’t damn fine stuff. Seriously, these guys are like Bright Eyes, but they’re not whiny and dissonant. I hear a little Neutral Milk Hotel in there, but maybe that’s just wishful thinking. In any case, they’re a band that you’d do well to check out, fall in love with, and sing along with heartfelt enthusiasm if the ever come through your town.

Buy their cd at CD Baby.

Live from Martin Street Music Hall, Raleigh, NC 4/29/2005 at 5 Year Plan (including a great “Born to Run” cover)
Turn Up the Faders