Town Meeting

Short but sweet, Town Meeting's debut EP Geography, Pt. 1 is one of the finest collection of four songs you'll hear this year. While the band indulges in the kinds of foot stomping and gang vocals that are so popular these days, there's an intent and substance that reminds you that this is what the Lumineers want(ed) to be.

A huge part of the band's chemistry is that three of the five members are brothers. While the production values sound quite lavish, the instrumentation is exactly what it needs to be -- neither ornate nor dull. Contemplative songs like "Geography" and the barn burner "New Hampshire" shine with equal glory. Condon's lyrics are literate and will surprise you. Town Meeting has already opened for the likes of Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan and they absolutely belong on those stages. Geography, Pt. 1 proves it. - RACHEL CHOLST

West Of Seattle by Town Meeting
Give a listen to the new track from Boston-based indie folk-rock band Town Meeting called “West Of Seattle,” from their upcoming EP, Geography: Part 1, due July 28, 2017.
“Influenced by a wide range of musical acts from Dawes to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, the group was formed in 2014 by brothers Luke (vocals/guitar) and Russ Condon (vocal/cajon). Dean Adrien(vocals/lead guitar), formerly of Orphan, joined in April of 2013. With years of music experience under his belt alongside the likes of Jonathan Edwards, Tom Rush and several others from the Boston Folk scene. Tim Cackett (guitar/bass/mandolin player) joined the band in October 2013. Tim had spent several years prior playing guitar in the various hardcore bands (Anchorlines, Hope Prevails) and his solo acoustic folk project, Poor Soul. Brendan “Babe” Condon (vocals/harmonica/percussion), the youngest brother, rounded out the group’s vocal harmonies in 2014. Soon after the lineup was solidified, the band played shows with Sturgill Simpson, Willie Nelson and Old Crow Medicine Show and dropped their debut, If I Die (2016). Over the past year, the five have been putting the finishing touches on the Geography series.” - KELLY MURPHY

Town Meeting, who just released their EP Geography: Part 1 on July 28th, serve up folk rock in both a retro and modern way that will be sure to engage listeners. With only four tracks Town Meeting show with every song that they are in full command of their sound and are willing to experiment beyond what one might expect from a present day folk act.

The title song “Geography” is very focused on the content of the track with a stripped back instrumentation of mainly just a guitar. It’s quiet and allows one to take in the rich vocals and the simple but intricate lyrics that talk about matrimony and sacrifice among other things. The tune opens with the lyric “I know I broke it but I wanna make it right,” and it really sets the tone of the song. Storytelling is key here as the lead singer croons “I’m full of music/used to losing fights,” and while each song on the EP is a masterful tale this one is the tune that will likely resonate with listeners most. Unassuming with subtle harmonies that never overpower the vocals, and heavy lyrics paired with light instrumentation make “Geography” a perfect little package of folk music.

“New Hampshire” is where Town Meeting loosens up the reins a little and starts to think outside the box. Presented as a live one take recording of the song with laughter and talking, the song is nonstop fun. Fast paced and with the most energy this reviewer has heard of any song in 2017, it feels as if one is in the room with the band, just hanging around at a party, watching and listening to them perform the tune. Harmonica solos and handclaps further make the song more interesting, as does the old fashioned almost country like vibe of the track. Lively and rowdy one can’t help but get swept up in the good time that the band seems to be having. An ode to New Hampshire, that according to Town Meeting never fails to give them an answer when they have questions, it is a thrill ride for folk lovers and plain downright refreshing.

Closing the record is “Every Song” a ballad about how nothing creative is ever truly new and borrows from one source or another. Still the lead singer talks about looking for stories that haven’t been told while he’s on the road. In some ways it is a portrait of a songwriter “writing down dreams” and wanting to know what it all means. It’s the most intimate song on the entire album and while it may not connect with everybody because it is so personal, it is a treat to hear the band being so candid, raw, and vulnerable while also addressing how everything in a way is recycled. Songs have a way of touching the soul and this song does just that. Beautiful and introspective it gives some insight to being a musician and takes listeners along for the ride.

Check out the EP and discover for yourself the magic of Town Meeting. - Rachel Freitas

Folk-rock five piece Town Meeting are premiering their new song “Geography” exclusively for readers of The Boot. Press play below to hear the track.
"Geography" is a laid-back, folksy tune; its wandering melody and poetic lyrics were written by drummer and vocalist Russ Condon alongside his brother, Luke Condon, who also sings and plays guitar in Town Meeting.

"I wrote “Geography” while driving,” Russ Condon tells The Boot. “I was trying to put language to all the unpredictability, mystery and overwhelming beauty that comes with pursuing a life of music."

"I’m full of music, used to losing fights / Rhythm isn’t once or twice / There’s a lot of do or die -- with time,” go the lyrics of "Geography." “Count on me to count you out / If I’m counting on myself / Fallacies are fantasies / You humble little mouse / Go and burn it down.”

Town Meeting released their debut full-length album, If I Die, in 2016. They've shared the stage with folk and country icons such as Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Sturgill Simpson and the Avett Brothers. “Geography” is the title track of the band’s followup to If I Die, the Geography: Part 1 EP; the project hones in on Town Meeting’s diverse set of musical influences, which range from ‘60s singer-songwriter tunes to modern folk-rock.
The Geography: Part 1 EP is set for release on July 28. Visit TownMeetingMusic.com for more information. - The Boot

TOWN MEETING

If I Die

11 tracks

There’s a lot to like on this debut folk/ rock/ Americana release but the first thing that you notice and love is the gorgeous harmonies ever present on all the songs. These beautiful voices give the whole production a very comfortable country feel and sound. They are provided by brothers Luke (guitar), Russell (cajon, drums) and Brendan Condon (harp), whose instinctive singing and vocal arrangements are the driving force behind this Ayer, Massachusetts band. Dean Adrien (Orphan) plays guitar and Tim Cackett mans the bass and mandolin, and their music sounds like it would fit in everywhere from a coffeehouse to an arena. Sorta like if Crosby, Stills & Nash played the same set in your living room before their gig at the Garden. And they are interesting because while their music has many obvious influences their taste spans the whole spectrum of the genres. Take Americana ballads for instance: “If This Were A Movie,” and “Leave The Light On” are country-ish, “Phoenix,” “Verge” with the Dylan harp and “Wash My Hands” are more folk influenced and “Orange And Red,” “Digging,” and “Missionary Street” have a bit of country blues in them. Sorta like The Ozark Mountain Daredevils meet Nickel Creek meet The Lumineers. They remind me a bit of the ’80’s band Scruffy The Cat in terms of that group’s super-catchy songs, interesting instrument usage, and with an easily identifiable Americana/ garage punk sound. My favorite track is the opening cut “If I Die” with it’s great harmonies and super-solid delivery. Great music. A great listen. (A.J. Wachtel) - The Noise - Boston

Based from the outskirts of Ayer, MA comes the americana infused sounds of Town Meeting, who opened for The Sheepdogs at their show at Thunder Road in Somerville the other night. The collective have elements of The Avett Brothers and The Lumineers with their own unique and distinct musical personalities thrown into the mix that when all added together, presents for a fine and original musical blend that definitely provides that extra perk. They're led by vocalist Luke Condon who adds an air of originality and distinctiveness to the group that makes the songs that much more beautiful and poetic. His brother Brendan contributes harmonica and tambourine rhythms, usually without any shoes that adds upon the rhythmic backbone of the group, while his other bro Russell wears his trademark hat and signature beard to give the group that little extra flair, with lead guitarist Dean Adrien and bassist Tim Cackett rounding out the group. I was greatly impressed with what I saw from these guys, and they have definitely have that real down to earth, authentic folk blend that is seems to be omnipresent and extant throughout music today, and have that ability to really connect with the listener personally on a emotional level which is the overall basis and common goal for what music is all about.

For more on Town Meeting, 'Like' them on Facebook over here and check out their official homepage right here for more in depth info surrounding the gentlemen, including tour dates and links to stream their music. - Music Box Pete