Providence's The Low Anthem formed in 2006, when Ben Knox Miller and Jeff Prystowsky met each other broadcasting an overnight jazz radio show on WBUR (Brown). The two bonded over their diverse tastes in music and would soon team up with Dan Lefkowitz (left during the sessions for their sophomore album) and Jocie Adams for their self-titled debut album. Due to lack of funds the group self-produced their first three albums, before releasing their first major label album Smart Flesh this past February. The group's unique marketing was showcased for their sophomore album "What The Crow Brings" by garbage dumping and using cereal boxes to package their album. The group showcased more of a folk sound, with multi-instrumental arrangements giving the band their own unique sound which was perfectly orchestrated on the track "Yellowed By The Sun" (which got my attention).
The group's third album cleverly titled "Oh God, Charlie Darwin" gained them a following in Britain which eventually led them to sign with UK label Bella Union, and then with Nonesuch Records here in the US. The band went on to play big festivals including Bonnaro, Lollapolooza, and Newport Folk festival. The group also have performed twice on The David Letterman (whom is a big fan), and the BBC show Later with Jools Holland. In 2009 Nonesuch Records released and re-mastered "Oh My God, Charlie Darwin" and supported it by co-headlining a tour with The Avett Brothers. It took the group over a year to complete their fourth album "Smart Flesh", in which they collaborated with Bright Eyes and Monsters Of Folk's Mike Morgis in the production. "Smart Flesh" was released in February 22nd and received glowing reviews for the beauty in its arrangements and poignancy. Despite being at the height of their artistic peak they've decided to call it quits at the end of their current North America tour, which ends here in Boston on October 21st at the Somerville theater (which I hope to attend and you should too). Tickets available here: http://www.lowanthem.com/site/touring/
The Low Anthem -"Boeing 737" Smart Flesh
This greatly disappoints me since I've just become a fan and hoped to hear the group have many years of success and artistic vibrancy. Although hearing about their inevitable demise made me ponder whether or not it was due to the state of the music industry. As I wrote on my first blog here in January, musicians are finding it very hard to fund their art. Due to technology, music is becoming less profitable and record labels are forcing their artists to finance tours and their own production. This is leading to groups and artists prematurely exiting the scene, because they can no longer make a profitable living from being a musician. Bills, mortgages/rent, loans, transportation, food and tools are essential to everyday life, and for group to live on the road it becomes taxing and leaves a prominent future. Now the Low Anthem haven't declared this being the decision for their exit, but I bet signing with the record labels made their expectations desolate.
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