Fred Mills of Blurt Magazine gives
Blag'ard a thumbs-up - "Thanks for turning me on to
the group!”
“Brinson's kinetic drumming and Taylor's highly
recognizable guitar style, are at once lyrical and neurotic.”
- Indyweek.com
“The songs are infectious and leave you wanting more.” -
PunkGlobe.com
“There’s no question as to what Blag’ard set out to do
with this release, and they knock it out of the ballpark.”
- Independent Clauses
“Blag'ard's rough-hewn approach won't endear them to
everyone but their visceral, dynamic music can be surprisingly infectious.” -
Leonard’s Lair
North Carolina indie-rock duo Blag’ard,
featuring Joe Taylor (lead vocals/guitar) and Adam Brinson (drums), unwrap
their third full-length album, Fresh Candy, which will be released
today, Tuesday, October 9, 2012, by the Pig Zen Space
label. The album will be available on iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, and
independent record stores nationwide.
After working toward stardom in previous bands, Taylor and
Brinson have found that a duo is their formula for success. Formed five years
ago in Chapel Hill, NC, Blag’ard’s previous discography includes an
EP and two full-length albums; all on the Pig Zen Space label.
Fresh Candy is a cornucopia of emotion,
reflecting on Taylor’s own personal history with music and relationships. The
musical composition is incredibly unique because the only instruments heard on
the album are from Taylor’s guitar and Brinson’s drum kit. Without the use of
session musicians or the synthetic sounds of a mixing board, there is an
enthralling raw and stripped down sound to their music.
The stories told in these songs are as unique as Blag’ard’s
sound. The album’s first single “Rusted Chrome,” a tribute to Taylor’s
father who dreamed of being a musician himself, gives a glimpse into the
personal reflection running throughout the album. Similarly, Taylor explains
that “‘Down South’ is about a relationship I had where I left
someone I care about with the intentions of returning to her when I could
afford to do so.” He continues by saying, “It is a love song about endurance.”
Through the lyrics and music, listeners are drawn into both the heartache of
separation and the hope of reunion.
However, Fresh Candy is not without its
humor. With tracks like “Tea Is For Cookie,” Blag’ard displays
a more sarcastic leaning. Taylor says, “This song is about finding it hard to
like the types of guys who act tough only when it's safe to do so.” He adds,
“it creates a fantasy of having a cup of tea, which is not a very tough-guy
thing to do, hence the humor.”
Each track on this album offers a different glimpse into
Blag’ard’s personal and musical journey. Written by Taylor, recorded and
produced by Brian Paulson (Dinosaur Jr., Beck, Wilco), and mixed by Jeff Lipton
(Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, City and Colour), Fresh Candy shows
great promise in delivering the same music legacy that so many great rock bands
have done before them.
Listen to Fresh Candy HERE.
1. Candy Town
2. Rusted Chrome
3. Pony Boy
4. Down South
5. 3rd Member
6. Candles
7. Integrity
8. Nice To Pedro
9. Scapes
10. Tea Is For Cookie
For more information:
Blag’ard on Facebook
Blag’ard on Twitter
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