- Katy B – Live Review - 2 April, 2014
- Anticipating – Billy Lockett - 24 March, 2014
- Introducing – Salt Ashes - 14 March, 2014
Augustines may have been a name that has crossed your path before. They released their debut album, ‘Rise Ye Drunken Ships‘, way back in 2011, to a positive reception. Since then they have slowly been building a name for themselves on both sides of the Atlantic.
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the band was created by ex-Pela band members Billy McCarthy and Eric Sanderson with Rob Allen later being added as the drummer. Prior to Augustines, the band Pela had already gained a reputation for emotive live shows and support slots with legendary bands Sonic Youth and the Flaming Lips. The band broke up as McCarthy and Sanderson were in the midst of writing and demoing songs for a follow up to Anytown Graffiti . Those songs became part of ‘Rise Ye Drunken Ships’, Augustines first long player.
The band has spent the last 2 years increasing their profile, including high profile appearances on American television such as Late show with David Letterman and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. They also garnered a headlining slot at Coachella and have made appearances in the UK supporting the Kaiser Chiefs and also managed to increase their online profile, with their track Chapel Song being streamed on Spotify almost 2 million times.
2014 sees the release of their second album, titled simply ‘Augustines‘, possibly a reference to their temporary name change, where they became We Are Augustines. At 12 tracks long, the sophomore album is a step forward in the right direction for the band, after the heavy themes and tones of their debut. Album number two features more bigger and accessible arrangements with McCarthy’s voice channelling Brian Fallon of Gaslight Anthem’s passion. Tracks like ‘Don’t You Look Back’ and single ‘Cruel City‘ with big sing a long choruses and chants could see this band working their way up the festival ladder and headlining arenas very soon.
The band is currently touring America, with shows in the UK pencilled in for April. This is a perfect chance to hear grand songs, such as ‘Hold Onto Anything‘ in a more intimate environment before they really take off.
