Castanets

Country is usually a musical genre we studiously ignore, but Castanets do country that's something else. It's a strange, eerie, sad, atmospheric alt-country, with singer-songwriter and central member Raymond Raposa contributing intriguing, froggy vocals reminiscent of Bob Dylan's, and music that's deep and slow and thoughtful. In the Vines, the latest album from Castanets, is what we're basing these comments on, and it's a pretty interesting album, as it's partially "based on a Hindu fable about being trapped in an inescapable fate, with death and the limitations of our physical lives closing in from all corners." The rest of it is based on Raposa's own odd, wandering life. If that doesn't give you an idea what you're in for with this band, perhaps these tracks—both off of In the Vines—will:

"Sway"
"This is the Early Game"

You can download more tracks here, and then check Castanets out live at Johnny Brenda's tomorrow night when they play with The 1900s, Birdie Busch, and Ponieheart.

Castanets, The 1900s, Birdie Busch, Ponieheart
Johnny Brenda's (1201 N. Frankford Ave.)
Sat, 10/20/07, 9PM
$10
Get Tickets

Photo by Mia Ferm, via Asthmatic Kitty Records