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GOWNS: final release

February 5, 2010 · 11 Comments

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ezra and erika 2007

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As of last week, the collaboration between artists Erika Anderson, Ezra Buchla, and Corey Fogel, also known as GOWNS, has ceased to breathe.

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The band had been together for about 5 years, creating in that time a small-run EP known as Dangers of Intimacy, the critically acclaimed LP Red State, a recently released Latitudes Session for Southern Records, as well as a standout appearance on the Live At The Smell DVD.

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Pitchfork Media once described GOWNS as “one of the most heart-stoppingly great live bands on Earth”, and it was the same tension that produced these electrifying performances that ultimately drove us apart.  Another reviewer once referred to the themes of light and darkness that ran through Red State, which funnily enough I had never noticed, but seems now like an apt metaphor for the entire experience in general.

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We were tapping into some very raw emotions, and I’m ultimately proud of the risks we took.  In spite of anything else, I feel like we were honest, and I feel like we were brave.

I’m also proud of the sounds we created, as though the combination of our talents created something that was rare and unique.

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Before this we were just finishing work on a piece for our next record, and I think in many ways it’s one of the best things we’ve done.  At 17 minutes long, it’s a good representation of everyone doing the best of what they do best:  it’s got Corey’s frenetic yet graceful drum patterns, Ezra’s swelling viola drones, a rhythmic and powerful guitar line, and a vocal and lyrical style that is at once direct and oblique.

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I’m posting it here as a free download, because I know people were anxious to hear something new from us, and I know we had kept them waiting far too long.  I’d like to think of this as our final release.

I’m sorry we couldn’t keep it together.

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STAND AND ENCOUNTER

http://somedarkholler.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/gowns_stand.mp3_

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please click above to hear entire song, a short excerpt is below

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Please feel free to forward  and REPOST this link.  The distribution of it is now in your hands.+

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Like Gowns’ fantastic 2007 album Red State, this set was positively charged with desperate energies and highlighted by moments of profound focus and clarity. During those brightest moments (light and brightness being a leitmotif of Red State) it feels as though Gowns are grasping at some quintessential truth, and in so doing, tottering at the edge of oblivion. And then oblivion always wins.

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All members continue to be involved with other endeavors.

EMA has a soon-to-be released tape on the Iowa City-based Night People label, which is paired with a short personal essay on  fidelity and nostalgia, and a collaborative art project.  Find info on that here.

Also in the works is a digital LP version of the Some Dark Holler material, including a Hobo Code/graphic score of the epic “Kind-Hearted Woman”, which was performed earlier this year in support of Throbbing Gristle’s recent US tour.  More info on that here.

EMA: http://cameouttanowhere.com

EZRA BUCHLA: http://catfact.net/

COREY FOGEL: http://knitdrums.tumblr.com/

Most releases remain in print, but some are down to only a few copies.  Please email to inquire about Red State, Broken Bones; info on the brand new vinyl re-release of Dangers of Intimacy, here.

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While GOWNS has ceased, we still have love in our hearts, and haven’t ruled out the possibility of future collaborations.

Please contact thegowns@gmail.com for more information.

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Categories: GOWNS · SOME DARK HOLLER · Uncategorized
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