Sky Furrows is the meeting of Albany’s Burnt Hills and writer-poet Karen Schoemer. They sound something like Sonic Youth, Slint, and Kinski in a blender—psych- and post-rock instrumentals buffeted by Schoemer’s sung-shouted intonations. While Phil Donnelly (drums), Mike Griffin (guitar), and Eric Hardiman (bass) keep a tight rhythm section, Schoemer recites stories, dreams, and observations. From “Shopping Bags,” off of Reflect and Oppose: “A man and a woman in a suit and gown pose for a photographer in front of the river. They look as though they’re dressed for a wedding. People do that, they get dressed days beforehand and pose as if it’s the actual ceremony.” On their own, the music and vocals would be equally of interest, but brought together there’s a tension that makes Sky Furrows so unique and compelling.
Earlier this month, we caught up with Sky Furrows opening for Oneida at Bushwick’s Rubulad. I was immediately enthralled with the band and picked up their most recent record, Reflect and Oppose, a joint release between Feeding Tube and Cardinal Fuzz so you know to expect quality. The record, I have to say, is even better than the show (partly because you get a lyric sheet to follow along) but the live set you’re hopefully about to listen to is a great entry to the band. If you’re in Catskill, NY on March 8th I recommend catching them with Oneida again at the Avalon Lounge. Tickets here. See you there!
Stream and Download at Archive.org
Sky Furrows
2024-02-09
Rubulad
Brooklyn, NY
Recorded and produced by Eric PH for nyctaper.com
MBHO KA200N/603A > Naiant PFA >> Sound Devices MixPre-6 > WAV (24/48) > Adobe Audition CC + Izotope Ozone 5 > Audacity 2.4.2 > FLAC
Tracks [34:00]
01. Wearing Rug
02. He Calls Me
03. Jenni
04. Shopping Bags
05. Three Husbands
06. Old Morality
07. Humor Whisky
08. Koba Grozny
Phil Donnelly - drums
Mike Griffin - guitars
Eric Hardiman - bass
Karen Schoemer - voice