Who? Brooklyn quintet Phonograph — singer/guitarist Matthew Welsh, guitarist Abe Seiferth, bassist John Davis, drummer Dave Burnett, and multi-instrumentalist Phil Sterk — may have only formed two years ago, but they’ve already opened for Wilco. Arclight Records just issued their self-titled debut, just in time for the band’s U.S. tour and SXSW gigs.
What’s the Deal? Welsh professes to have found new roots on “Nu Americana,” and though his band may be a long way from the heartland, you’d never know it judging by their Mellotron-laden country choruses. Welsh purrs derisively in “Waltz from Jonas,” insisting, “Lay down your foolish pride/ It’s not yours to question why,” but he spares the rod on the adoring telegram of “Have I Told You?”
Fun Fact: Phonograph really love their bygone technology: the achy static intro of “T.V. Screens” was performed on an Optagon, a home organ from the ’70s that uses transparent records. STACEY ANDERSON
Now Hear This: Phonograph – “T.V. Screens” DOWNLOAD MP3
Talk: Do you like the sounds Phonograph produce?
On the Web: Phonograph at myspace.com
