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The Preons —Starshine on the Devilwoods
{6.3}
Buy it!
{Self-released}
Although The Preons have been a part of the Seattle music scene since the early days of this very website, the band waited until 2008 to release their first full-length album, Starshine on the Devilwoods.
The long waiting period for the release is understandable when you take into consideration some of the challenges the band faced during the recording process: rehab, death, weddings -- both attended and canceled -- and two band members left the group. Siblings Josh (guitar, vocals) and Janie Cowart (drums), along with trumpet/keyboard player Brad Nelson and bassist John Hendow, managed to persevere and the result is an amalgam of rock, lounge, and jazz reminiscent of the band's self-proclaimed influences the Zombies, the Beatles and David Bowie.
Starshine on the Devilwoods reflect this swirl of interpersonal energy and have packed the songs with rhythm guitars, multiple keyboards, horns, and other occasional instruments making a soft wandering soundscape.
"Starshine" is one of the key tracks with its sharp drumming, 60s psychedelic keyboards and the pretty vocals of former member Maria Leon Guerrero. Other highlights are the cleverly titled "Whole Box of Doorknobs" and "Mistress of the Blue Sky."
The end result is a group of meandering songs perfect to sip your coffee to... which makes sense given there's a rumor that Starbucks coffee shops might be spinning tracks from the album.
-Andrew Boe, April 18, 2008 - Three Imaginary Girls
Discography
Pretentiousness of the Standard Model EP (2004)
Starshine on the Devilwoods (2007)
Photos
Bio
Josh Cowart started playing guitar as a way to get away from the rigors of dental school 10 years ago. Since then he has led two bands through the finest indie rock clubs in Seattle. When his previous band, Hourglass Lake parted ways, he started the Preons with his sister Janie. Josh’s unique song writing skills and Janie‘s drumming style converged to create the foundation for the Preons sound. Brad is a 1 man band, playing the electric trumpet through effects, the keyboard and any other available instrument with reach. John employs lays it down in the bass incorporating his favorite new wave and reggae bass lines from his extensive touring days with Seattle reggae legends, Jumbalassy.
The Preons regularly played the fabled Crocodile Cafe in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood prior to its closing. They have just released a full length album, Starshine on the Devilwoods (available on iTunes).
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