AKUDAMA
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AKUDAMA

New York City, New York, United States | SELF

New York City, New York, United States | SELF
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"Best of What's Next: Akudama"

Hometown: Weston, Ct.
Members: Blake Charleton (guitar, lead vocals), Calvin Pia (guitar, vocals), Cayce Pia (drums), Andrew Pertes (bass)
Album: Sun EP
For Fans Of: Built to Spill, Fleet Foxes, Simon & Garfunkel

If you think a name like Akudama sounds like a cast-off Dragon Ball Z character, you’d be pretty close. “I went through a period of exclusive anime viewing,” explains frontman Blake Charleton. “I came across a movie called Princess Monanoke that had characters called ‘kodama.’ I misheard the name and came up with ‘Akudama.’"

“I’ve been told it means Metallica in some dialects,” chimes guitarist Calvin Pia, “I could be wrong but I hope not.”

Formed in high school as a side-project to various hardcore bands, the Brooklyn quartet combines pastoral harmonies with jaunty up-tempo hooks, creating a nostalgic, dreamy atmosphere. The band splits time between whimsy joviality (they have a song called “Lost on the Bryan Ferry”) and more somber, heartstring-plucking ballads. “Fireflies” is a delicate recounting of an acid trip gone bad, while “Barbershop” opens with the winning couplet “When I was young my mom loved David Bowie / so my first haircut looked like David Bowie’s.”

“Blake’s lyrics have an interesting tendency to take on a deeper meaning after the songs are written,” says Pia, “it’s as if they come from a stream of consciousness, and are made sense of afterward.”

Their pristine arrangements, soaring melodies and psych-tinged guitars, sound compulsively sculpted in a studio. For good reason too: “The songs tend to get written pretty quickly, but the recording and mixing takes the longest. We’re just now recording songs that have been written for almost two years” says Pia.

WHAT’S NEXT: In 2011, Akudama will be recording all new songs for an album release in spring. The band also plans on attending SXSW and embarking on a full tour. - Paste Magazine


"ALARM Press: This Week's Best Albums"

Akudama: Sun EP (self-released)

Akudama: “Sun (from Underneath the Lake)”

Last year, Brooklyn’s Akudama began a (roughly) monthly series of free digital EPs, stretching from April of 2009 to February of 2010. Most releases consisted of just a pair of tracks, but each demonstrated considerable indie-rock proficiency.

Now the quartet has assembled six of the “A-sides” from those EPs and released Sun EP. The six songs each present a slightly different side to the genre, but they all shine with catchy melodies, three-part vocal harmonies, and fine-tuned timbres — whether it’s oodles of reverb, acoustic guitar, string accents, or slide-guitar swells.

You can hear the whole EP at Akudama’s Bandcamp page, where you can (and should) buy it. - http://alarmpress.com/


"CMJ Winners: Akudama and Food Will Win The War"

CMJ Winners: Akudama and Food Will Win The War

Saturday night, CMJ, the Mercury Lounge: I had high expectations. The bill included Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes, and Ivri Lider who is apparently an Israeli superstar. Unfortunately I missed those two bands, but FWWTW and Akudama closed the night with a mighty pairing of aural delicacies which sweetly capped my CMJ experience.

Food Will Win the War is a seven piece indie outfit in the vein of Magnetic Fields and Xiu Xiu. Vaulting seemlessly between uplifting dance jams and haunting melodic dreamscapes, FWWTW’s set was a cornucopia of musical flavors. They even fired up a high energy cover of an Eastern European folk tune called “Ostre Sledavoné Vlaky” that had the crowd whirling around in a frenzied dervish. The fact that several of their songs featured accordion solos was the butter on the bread, the gravy on the fries, and the icing on the cake.

As I refilled my pint to help digest FWWTW’s set, Akudama took preparations to achieve the proper ambiance for their show. Only after various table lamps, stuffed animals, and other assorted bric-a-brac had been carefully arranged around the stage did the band tune up and begin their line check. Then they started rocking; beautiful harmonies and sprawling rock guitar work wove a brilliant sonic tapestry which blanketed the enthralled crowd. A friend of mine had described their music as “perfect indie rock,” and I have to agree. I became an instant fan and by the time you read this, I will have downloaded their entire bandcamp repertoire.

Though the bands’ sounds didn’t necessarily complement each other, their musicality and talent was enough to qualify their juxtaposition. For me they were the final two sets crowning a rich CMJ experience. However, I am left only temporarily satiated, and am already eagerly anticipating next year’s menu. - BrokeMC - The Deli Magazine


"Northside Showcase Band Profile: AKUDAMA"

Above is the bio that Akudama, the second band playing my Northside showcase, put up on their website. This band bio makes me 1. intrigued 2. crave guacamole like nothing else. But mostly the intriguing part. Ever since my friend Andrew of Tally Hall told me about - or more like raved about - this Brooklyn based band I've become more and more enamored with them and what I love is that they know how to keep it interesting.

Everything from the unusual band name that doesn't have a Bear, Wolf, Crystal or a Blood in sight to their eclectic musical stylings which combine influences from classical to motown vibes sold me on booking them - not to mention that they spent almost an entire year releasing a NEW ep every single month on their bandcamp page FOR FREE. How cool is that?

Check the tunes below and come check out Akudama at 9pm on Saturday - this is a veggie fruit-stand rock band that is going places.

Akudama - Love

Akudam - Emit
- irockiroll


"Northside Showcase Band Profile: AKUDAMA"

Above is the bio that Akudama, the second band playing my Northside showcase, put up on their website. This band bio makes me 1. intrigued 2. crave guacamole like nothing else. But mostly the intriguing part. Ever since my friend Andrew of Tally Hall told me about - or more like raved about - this Brooklyn based band I've become more and more enamored with them and what I love is that they know how to keep it interesting.

Everything from the unusual band name that doesn't have a Bear, Wolf, Crystal or a Blood in sight to their eclectic musical stylings which combine influences from classical to motown vibes sold me on booking them - not to mention that they spent almost an entire year releasing a NEW ep every single month on their bandcamp page FOR FREE. How cool is that?

Check the tunes below and come check out Akudama at 9pm on Saturday - this is a veggie fruit-stand rock band that is going places.

Akudama - Love

Akudam - Emit
- irockiroll


"Akudama Played Cameo 4/10..."

Kate checked out Akaduma at Cameo on Saturday.
--------------------------

So Saturday night I headed to Cameo to check out the band Akudama. If you’re ever looking for this place it’s behind the Lovin’ Cup. And by that I mean walk through the restaurant all the way to the back, past the bathrooms, through heavy dark curtains, text the word ‘Indigo’ to the number 22922 and then open a door that looks like an emergency exit. You will then enter a tiny room that on Saturday, happened to be decorated like my Junior Prom.

I arrived around 12:15, just in time to hear these dudes from Boston screaming sweet nothings into a microphone. I was outside again by about 12:17 where I had the pleasure of hearing some chick talk about how her mom woke up next to some dude in a cemetery, I kid you not. Apprehensive, would be a word to describe how I felt about the remainder of my evening.

Akudama went on closer to one. That’s when my night completely turned around. Here are just a couple reasons why I thought these dudes were rad. They didn’t grow mustaches because every other goddamn guy in Williamsburg has one, but for a John Oates look alike contest. One of their songs was about a haircut similar to David Bowie’s. And lastly, they sounded really fucking good. Akudama’s lead singer, Blake has a unique voice with an incredible range. Their sound is very mature, classic, and clean. These guys really know how to read each other, which is probably why their set was so solid. All in all it was definitely worth checking out and I hope to run into these guys again. - Brooklyn Ski Club


"Kuestionnaire: Akudama"

I must admit, I very surprised with the Brooklyn based rock band Akudama. After one listen, you can notice some deceptively catchy tunes, adding glimpses of ambient guitar, out of body background vocals, an understated pulse and a wisp of strings while still sounding muscular and confident. Despite drawing obvious influence from Doves and Broken Social Scene, the band maintains an identity and creates music that is alternately melancholy and uplifting, sparkling darkly with charged atmospherics.

The band recently released a free EP entitled Firefly, which is available to download here. Akudama will also be supported by an extensive National summer tour and plan to deliver a full-length record to the world in the fall. Be on the look out…

Calvin Pia, guitarist/producer of Akudama was nice enough to answer this week’s Kuestionnaire.

1. Of all the bands/artists in your CD/record collection, which one is your most cherished?
Freaking hard question. Offhand, I’ve probably gotten the most mileage out of Wilco. They fit almost every mood… and Tweedy’s lyrics are hauntingly beautiful and relatable. But you probably already knew that..

2. What have you been listening to lately?
Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavillion, Neko Case – Middle Cyclone, Akron/Family – Set ‘em Wild, Set ‘em Free

3. What’s your favorite local band?
The London Souls (NYC)

4. What was the last show you attended?
The London Souls @ Bowery Poetry Club, NYC

5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
Andrew Bird @ Hiro Ballroom, NYC.. OR Dillinger Escape Plan @ Toad’s Place

6. What show are you looking forward to?
Akron/Family @ Union Pool, Brooklyn

7. What musician would you like to hang out/work with for a day?
Avey Tare (Animal Collective)

8. What four albums you would bring to a deserted island?
Sufjan Stevens – Illinoise
Animal Collective – Merriweather
Boards of Canada – Music Has The Right To People Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

9. Would you call yourself a music geek?
Yes maam

10. Any favorite music-related videos/DVDs you own?
Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense

11. What’s the last book you read?
Jitterbug Perfume [Tom Robbins]

12. Do you prefer live performances or recording in the studio?
While recording is a slower, more painstaking process, I get more enjoyment out of it. I love hearing a song grow from it’s infancy to a final product. I’m sure that if/when I have roadies to help with the load-in process, I’ll have to rethink this one.

13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you’d like to share?
I was in a hardcore band in high school called Side Project. At one particular show at a local coffeehouse, my brother (bass player at the time) started flailing his bass at the last breakdown of the first song. His bass smacked him just above his right eye, resulting in a near-concussion and a rush to the hospital. The band after us had to play for 2 hours. It was not really as embarrassing as it was awesome.

14. Any favorite tour locations?
We love playing Bloomington, IN. The kids there all have a healthy obsession with live music, to the point where kids flock by the hundred to basement shows to see their favorite local and out-of-town acts. The best place to play is the Statehouse. It’s just a house, but it hold some of the best shows you’ll see.

15. Lastly, what have you done today?
I’ve been on a blog-exploration, stumbling upon new music and realizing how large the world is. It’s nice to know that there are people out there who love music as much as I do.

Click to Download Akudama – Fireflies

Click to Download The London Souls – What You Need - Kata Rokkar


"Kuestionnaire: Akudama"

I must admit, I very surprised with the Brooklyn based rock band Akudama. After one listen, you can notice some deceptively catchy tunes, adding glimpses of ambient guitar, out of body background vocals, an understated pulse and a wisp of strings while still sounding muscular and confident. Despite drawing obvious influence from Doves and Broken Social Scene, the band maintains an identity and creates music that is alternately melancholy and uplifting, sparkling darkly with charged atmospherics.

The band recently released a free EP entitled Firefly, which is available to download here. Akudama will also be supported by an extensive National summer tour and plan to deliver a full-length record to the world in the fall. Be on the look out…

Calvin Pia, guitarist/producer of Akudama was nice enough to answer this week’s Kuestionnaire.

1. Of all the bands/artists in your CD/record collection, which one is your most cherished?
Freaking hard question. Offhand, I’ve probably gotten the most mileage out of Wilco. They fit almost every mood… and Tweedy’s lyrics are hauntingly beautiful and relatable. But you probably already knew that..

2. What have you been listening to lately?
Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavillion, Neko Case – Middle Cyclone, Akron/Family – Set ‘em Wild, Set ‘em Free

3. What’s your favorite local band?
The London Souls (NYC)

4. What was the last show you attended?
The London Souls @ Bowery Poetry Club, NYC

5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
Andrew Bird @ Hiro Ballroom, NYC.. OR Dillinger Escape Plan @ Toad’s Place

6. What show are you looking forward to?
Akron/Family @ Union Pool, Brooklyn

7. What musician would you like to hang out/work with for a day?
Avey Tare (Animal Collective)

8. What four albums you would bring to a deserted island?
Sufjan Stevens – Illinoise
Animal Collective – Merriweather
Boards of Canada – Music Has The Right To People Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

9. Would you call yourself a music geek?
Yes maam

10. Any favorite music-related videos/DVDs you own?
Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense

11. What’s the last book you read?
Jitterbug Perfume [Tom Robbins]

12. Do you prefer live performances or recording in the studio?
While recording is a slower, more painstaking process, I get more enjoyment out of it. I love hearing a song grow from it’s infancy to a final product. I’m sure that if/when I have roadies to help with the load-in process, I’ll have to rethink this one.

13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you’d like to share?
I was in a hardcore band in high school called Side Project. At one particular show at a local coffeehouse, my brother (bass player at the time) started flailing his bass at the last breakdown of the first song. His bass smacked him just above his right eye, resulting in a near-concussion and a rush to the hospital. The band after us had to play for 2 hours. It was not really as embarrassing as it was awesome.

14. Any favorite tour locations?
We love playing Bloomington, IN. The kids there all have a healthy obsession with live music, to the point where kids flock by the hundred to basement shows to see their favorite local and out-of-town acts. The best place to play is the Statehouse. It’s just a house, but it hold some of the best shows you’ll see.

15. Lastly, what have you done today?
I’ve been on a blog-exploration, stumbling upon new music and realizing how large the world is. It’s nice to know that there are people out there who love music as much as I do.

Click to Download Akudama – Fireflies

Click to Download The London Souls – What You Need - Kata Rokkar


"Akudama drops free August EP, “Barbershop”"

Our Akudama friends keep churning ‘em out – they haven’t once flaked on the whole monthly free EP thing yet. Impressive stuff. Also, they’re starting to add more shows to their bill (Pianos in NYC Sept. 8, 15, and 22 + Boston’s Middle East Upstairs this Thursday, 8/6) and are gaining increasing popularity. Here’s to hoping we’ve played some role (?? however small…) in their ascent to STARDOM.

Okay, not stardom yet, but with EPs like Barbershop staying true to Akudama’s niche of lively pop rock, the fame will surely come. It also looks like they’re having some good ol’ summer fun on Barbershop. Probably to combat the rain for just about everyone everywhere on the East Coast. The “Barbershop” tune is quite amusing – listen up real good. Though it’s kind of hard not to notice it, so scratch the “real good” part. Case in point: “When I was young my mom loved David Bowie / So my first haircut looked like David Bowie’s”. Oh, youth. Keeping us quirky since 1895.

Check out the songs below, or download the EP in full from the Akudama website (where it will be up shortly).

Akudama – “Barbershop” [MP3]

Akudama – “Camera Girl” [MP3] (ft. Gina Cimmelli of Gina’s Picture Show on backing vocals) - Knox Road


"Akudama drops free August EP, “Barbershop”"

Our Akudama friends keep churning ‘em out – they haven’t once flaked on the whole monthly free EP thing yet. Impressive stuff. Also, they’re starting to add more shows to their bill (Pianos in NYC Sept. 8, 15, and 22 + Boston’s Middle East Upstairs this Thursday, 8/6) and are gaining increasing popularity. Here’s to hoping we’ve played some role (?? however small…) in their ascent to STARDOM.

Okay, not stardom yet, but with EPs like Barbershop staying true to Akudama’s niche of lively pop rock, the fame will surely come. It also looks like they’re having some good ol’ summer fun on Barbershop. Probably to combat the rain for just about everyone everywhere on the East Coast. The “Barbershop” tune is quite amusing – listen up real good. Though it’s kind of hard not to notice it, so scratch the “real good” part. Case in point: “When I was young my mom loved David Bowie / So my first haircut looked like David Bowie’s”. Oh, youth. Keeping us quirky since 1895.

Check out the songs below, or download the EP in full from the Akudama website (where it will be up shortly).

Akudama – “Barbershop” [MP3]

Akudama – “Camera Girl” [MP3] (ft. Gina Cimmelli of Gina’s Picture Show on backing vocals) - Knox Road


"AKUDAMA's May EP Download"

True to their word, Akudama dropped their monthly free EP yesterday for May, titled Fireflies. The feature track is, of course, “Fireflies,” but they also have a change-of-pace second song in “We Have Stars.”

“Fireflies” starts off sounding almost like a matt pond PA track, with catchy hooks, backing strings and vocals that actually very much mirror Matt Pond’s. Then at about the two-minute mark the song rests and prepares for its ending, as we can hear from the bridge which has a simple guitar line and snapping fingers, and is slowly built upon by more and more instruments as it reaches the final crescendo.

“We Have Stars” is another experimental ditty from these folks who seem to have a grasp on crafting pop songs that appeal to many. Drowned vocals make “We Have Stars” almost entirely instrumental, yet just as fun. I’m sure they make an incredible live act. Seriously though, these guys are headed for amazing things – I haven’t disliked a single song I’ve heard, despite the differences among them.

Read what I wrote about Akudama previously (with mp3s), and head to their website to download the full Fireflies EP with cover art included, or check out the songs below.

Akudama – “Fireflies” [MP3]

Akudama – “We Have Stars” [MP3] - Knox Road


"Band You Should Know: Akudama"

The bio on their website tells the story of the band formation as a veritable fruit salad of events (the roles played by a banana, a guava, and an avocado) but Akudama’s music sounds less like the produce section of a grocery store and more like your grandmother’s record player on the back porch in summer, if the records were chosen by that cool older cousin you’ve always looked up to.

Akudama caught my attention almost two years ago, opening at a small indie show. Their music is heavily influenced by the 1950s with a bit of motown flair, as evidenced in the song “I Will Be Glad” off of 2007’s Johnny Appleseed EP. The song is measured and unhurried, full of soft cymbals and guitars. It’s something girls in poodle skirts would have slowed danced to with boys with pompadours.

But not all of the CD has such a slow, classic feel. “Love,” the song that seems to define the group’s sound, begins with only vocals, a repeated chant, but then breaks into melody with guitars and a liquid echo sound. The song is classic indie music, a song about wanting a girl. “Dishes” is the other standout song on the EP. It begins with a cute guitar riff and some of the best lyrics I’ve heard out of a small band. “Folding back in a lawn chair with your dramatic mothers friends” describes exactly where you would hear this song, the perfect location for the mood. It contains a peppy guitar solo and the middle refrain, “water flowing over, kitchen’s going under” is followed by a section of “do da dos” that makes you feel like you’re slowing sinking down with it.

The band is a motley crew of boys. Their drummer bears an uncanny resemblance to Shia LeBeouf and their guitarist used to play with Lady Gaga back when she was just Stefani Germanotta (remember that video that surfaced five months ago of Ms. Germanotta playing in a little New York club? Without knowing it, you were on Akudama’s youtube page!)

The Johnny Appleseed EP is currently free for download on their website and the band has recently posted pictures of a recording studio they’ve been working in. Hopefully that means new music soon! In the interim, they’re playing shows in New York in April, and have recently played shows scattered between New York and Boston. - Shred News (www.shrednews.com)


"Band You Should Know: Akudama"

The bio on their website tells the story of the band formation as a veritable fruit salad of events (the roles played by a banana, a guava, and an avocado) but Akudama’s music sounds less like the produce section of a grocery store and more like your grandmother’s record player on the back porch in summer, if the records were chosen by that cool older cousin you’ve always looked up to.

Akudama caught my attention almost two years ago, opening at a small indie show. Their music is heavily influenced by the 1950s with a bit of motown flair, as evidenced in the song “I Will Be Glad” off of 2007’s Johnny Appleseed EP. The song is measured and unhurried, full of soft cymbals and guitars. It’s something girls in poodle skirts would have slowed danced to with boys with pompadours.

But not all of the CD has such a slow, classic feel. “Love,” the song that seems to define the group’s sound, begins with only vocals, a repeated chant, but then breaks into melody with guitars and a liquid echo sound. The song is classic indie music, a song about wanting a girl. “Dishes” is the other standout song on the EP. It begins with a cute guitar riff and some of the best lyrics I’ve heard out of a small band. “Folding back in a lawn chair with your dramatic mothers friends” describes exactly where you would hear this song, the perfect location for the mood. It contains a peppy guitar solo and the middle refrain, “water flowing over, kitchen’s going under” is followed by a section of “do da dos” that makes you feel like you’re slowing sinking down with it.

The band is a motley crew of boys. Their drummer bears an uncanny resemblance to Shia LeBeouf and their guitarist used to play with Lady Gaga back when she was just Stefani Germanotta (remember that video that surfaced five months ago of Ms. Germanotta playing in a little New York club? Without knowing it, you were on Akudama’s youtube page!)

The Johnny Appleseed EP is currently free for download on their website and the band has recently posted pictures of a recording studio they’ve been working in. Hopefully that means new music soon! In the interim, they’re playing shows in New York in April, and have recently played shows scattered between New York and Boston. - Shred News (www.shrednews.com)


"8 NYC Bands You Need to Hear"

Akudama should've had a cameo on The OC. Seth Cohen would totally dig 'em, with their accessible, everyman take on classic indie and touches of nerd rock, plus their song "Dishes" reminds us of Phantom Planet. Rogue Wave comes to mind as well, especially in how frontman Blake Charleton's natural, unpretentious vocals roll over air-tight arrangements marked by an obvious focus on hooks. Then there are songs like "Sun (From Underneath the Lake)" and "Fireflies." Here they step things up with cascading melodies, caveman drumming, prickly guitars and punctuating shouts, giving current buzz band Local Natives a run for their money in the "best band to encompass more than three current indie-rock trends in one song" category. - L Magazine


"8 NYC Bands You Need to Hear"

Akudama should've had a cameo on The OC. Seth Cohen would totally dig 'em, with their accessible, everyman take on classic indie and touches of nerd rock, plus their song "Dishes" reminds us of Phantom Planet. Rogue Wave comes to mind as well, especially in how frontman Blake Charleton's natural, unpretentious vocals roll over air-tight arrangements marked by an obvious focus on hooks. Then there are songs like "Sun (From Underneath the Lake)" and "Fireflies." Here they step things up with cascading melodies, caveman drumming, prickly guitars and punctuating shouts, giving current buzz band Local Natives a run for their money in the "best band to encompass more than three current indie-rock trends in one song" category. - L Magazine


"AKUDAMA"

Quite honestly, getting an email from a band with a ton of potential is one of the most rewarding things about being a music blogger. We get a load of emails (wayyy too many from promoters) but we love receiving them all the same. And when a band strikes our ear that we can’t ignore, well, we know we’re doing something right. Akudama, a four-piece from Brooklyn (who list their fourth member as QB Troy Aikman…), fits that tag well.

Akudama is taking a very Dayliner-ish approach, releasing a free downloadable single (A/B sides with full cover art) at the start of each month through their website. And based off their April EP, Arctic Jog, I’ll be going back there often. Akudama meshes several styles of rock into one, playing off of influences from Spoon to Fleetwood Mac to Modest Mouse. Psychedelica, strong guitar riffs, and powerful vocals/harmonies make for some catchy tracks.

Sneak a ‘hear’ of their April single, “Arctic Jog,” as well as their March single, “Love.” They’ll be playing at Pianos Saturday, April 25th. Can’t wait for more material from these guys.

Akudama – “Arctic Jog” [MP3]

Akudama – “Love” [MP3] - Knox Road


"AKUDAMA"

Quite honestly, getting an email from a band with a ton of potential is one of the most rewarding things about being a music blogger. We get a load of emails (wayyy too many from promoters) but we love receiving them all the same. And when a band strikes our ear that we can’t ignore, well, we know we’re doing something right. Akudama, a four-piece from Brooklyn (who list their fourth member as QB Troy Aikman…), fits that tag well.

Akudama is taking a very Dayliner-ish approach, releasing a free downloadable single (A/B sides with full cover art) at the start of each month through their website. And based off their April EP, Arctic Jog, I’ll be going back there often. Akudama meshes several styles of rock into one, playing off of influences from Spoon to Fleetwood Mac to Modest Mouse. Psychedelica, strong guitar riffs, and powerful vocals/harmonies make for some catchy tracks.

Sneak a ‘hear’ of their April single, “Arctic Jog,” as well as their March single, “Love.” They’ll be playing at Pianos Saturday, April 25th. Can’t wait for more material from these guys.

Akudama – “Arctic Jog” [MP3]

Akudama – “Love” [MP3] - Knox Road


"New Sounds: Akudama's strong collective"

It’s fairly easy to spot the Animal Collective influences on Brooklyn band Akudama’s music: the Beach Boys-styled funk, the yelps, and even the crazy nicknames (Broccoli Bob, Hanker Chief, Head of Lettuce – maybe a vegetable collective?). But it works, especially on latest single “Sun (From Underneath the Lake),” taken from their free-to-download Sun EP (part of the band’s monthly EP series), a great example of Akudama’s tight propulsive sound and strong songwriting chops. They also name-dropped Tears For Fears in their email to me, and you can detect a bit of Roland Orzabal influence. And a bit of Orzabal is always good.

Akudama: Sun (From Underneath the Lake)
from the Sun EP - Jeffrey Geoffrey Blog


Discography

With a total of 12 releases to date (1 full-length + 11 EPs), AKUDAMA has proven to be incredibly prolific, and remarkably consistent in quality. The band has made their entire catalog available for free streaming and purchase at www.akudama.bandcamp.com.

AKUDAMA has always recorded and released their music themselves, with the help of guitarist Calvin Pia doubling as Producer / Engineer.
The band completed their debut full-length "Flying Over Morning" in 2005 during their senior year of high-school.
In 2006, the boys retreated to a barn in Western Massachusetts to write and record material that would later appear on the 2007 Johnny Appleseed EP.
Throughout 2009/10, AKUDAMA embarked on their Free EP of the Month series, where they released new music every month for 12 months via their Bandcamp page. Each EP was available for free digital download for one month, and included cover art done by a range of talented friends & family.
AKUDAMA's latest release "SUN EP" is essentially a collection of "A-sides" drawn from AKUDAMA's Free EP of the Month series, and is the band's 3rd official release to date.

Photos

Bio

Growing up together, the boys of AKUDAMA have become masters of creating thoughtful, eclectic & eccentric rock music. Self-taught melodic savant Blake Charleton began writing music with brothers Calvin and Cayce Pia 7 years ago while still attending High School in a small town called Weston, Connecticut. After several years of hiatus spent traveling, learning, and absorbing life’s infinite inspirations, the trio of young-twenty-somethings reunited in 2008 in Brooklyn to reboot the project. With the recent addition of bassist Andrew Pertes, the group has become an active and aggressive force in the NYC indie-rock scene, and has proven to be a strong touring act throughout the Northeast and Midwest. The live show is relentlessly engaging. The band's creative ambition is unlimited, consistently proven with their self-recorded/released “Free EP of the Month” series, which, after 11 months and 11 releases, has resulted in a remarkable catalog of music.

AKUDAMA’s sound is a collage of musical inspiration; the explosiveness of Broken Social Scene, the vivid production of Doves, the lush harmonies of the Zombies, the lyrical depth of Wilco, the pop-precision of the Shins. The result is a sound that is undeniably their own, focusing on the craft of song, not gimmick. After all, it is about the music— and AKUDAMA makes that abundantly clear. The band has made their entire catalog available for free streaming and purchase at www.akudama.bandcamp.com