The Blakes prefer a brand of sinful transgressions that the major labels just can’t live up to, leaving the band to their rock’n’roll ways with the party animals at indie label Light in the Attic. Representing Seattle’s grittier side, the Blakes rocked their native city with a bit of spunk and kick, leaving breezy melodies in the dust in favor of garage-rock bravado, stomping and shouting with their punchy retro flair. Check out the band sporting dirty vest and sleeveless tees, shredding on a Flying V but also disclosing their vices as they sit down with SPIN.com to admit their penchant for tequila in the back of the van and their CMJ plans. On the more reserved side of things, Grand Archives let their build-up brew under the surface. As a founding member of both West coast favorites Carissa’s Wierd and big buzz indie rockers Band of Horses, Grand Archive’s Mat Brooke knows a thing or two about working from the ground up to kick-start a meteoric rise to recognition. After leaving Band of Horses to focus on Grand Archive full-time, Brooke and his new group managed to secure a spot on the illustrious Sup Pop roster as well as a slot opening for fellow Washington natives Modest Mouse. Still fueled by only a few demoed tracks, the band stopped by to please the hometown faithful at Seattle’s Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival. In addition to floating through a set of dreamy, loose numbers soaring with softly echoing harmonies, they also took the time to sit down with SPIN.com to tease their debut release and future tour itinerary.
