Unlike the Northern Spotted Owl, the Mezzanine Owls don't seem to be endangered. In fact, the quartet of Californians is thriving thanks to sessions with noted recording engineer Andy LeMaster (Bright Eyes, Azure Ray) in his Athens, GA studio. LeMaster, who also fronts the band Now It's Overhead, helped shape the songs the Owls spent the previous year writing.

One of their brightest ideas, "Lightbulb," has a haunting Jesus and Mary Chain rattle filtered through an anthemic guitar line as driven as something from another avian outfit, Doves. Mezzanine Owls are busy sinking their talons into crowds in and around Los Angeles, and their self-released debut, Slingshot Echoes, is currently streaming on the band's website.

Now Hear This:
Mezzanine Owls - "Lightbulb" DOWNLOAD MP3

Talk: Do you give a hoot about the Mezzanine Owls?

On the Web:
Mezzanine Owls at myspace.com

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