Photo from: myspace.com/civiltwilightband
The band name CIVIL TWILIGHT may not be a household name yet but you have likely heard them without even knowing it. With songs from their debut CD titled Human, originally released in 2008, being featured on many TV shows they are steadily gaining a following from that alone. Their moving song about those lost reuniting with the ones they love called “Letters From the Sky” has been played on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Harper’s Island. The heart-wrenching, "Quiet In My Town" was played during One Tree Hill and the poetic masterpiece "Human" was played during a Superbowl episode of House and on Without A Trace. Although the CD was pulled from iTunes late last year to be edited and to add new songs, it 's due to be re-released online on July 21. That also happens to be the same day the band will be making a stop in the DC area, playing at DC9.
The new version of their CD will feature most of the songs from the previous version plus two additional tunes including the gorgeous: “Next To Me,” which seems destined for radio success. But the first official single is: "Soldier" which is a soulful, funky tune that the Police would be envious of. With a distinctive and unforgettable Indie rock/alternative sound, Civil Twilight have the potential to quickly jump from rising stars playing small clubs to megastars playing to packed crowds with some well-deserved radio airplay. The trio who originally hail from Cape Town, South Africa are made up of the McKellar brothers: Steven McKellar (vocals, piano and bass) and Andrew McKellar (guitar) and good friend Richard Wouters (drums.) Upon first listening to the band one thing strikes you immediately: Steven’s breathtaking and evocative falsetto voice, which is comparable to that of Bono, Thom Yorke or Chris Martin. Also quite the gifted pianist he makes songs like "Human" haunt you long after the song has ended. But a band is only as strong as its members and their isn't a weak link in the bunch. Steven's vocals and piano/bass playing are complemented by the amazing guitar mastery displayed by Andrew McKellar. Andrew really demonstrates how gifted he is when he breaks out a violin bow to play his guitar at shows (usually during the seductive masterpiece "Perfect Stranger.") Completing this talented trio's ethereal rock sound is the brilliant drumming ability of Richard Wouters who definitely adds extra rock flavor and punch to mellower songs (he very much shines on songs like "Something She Said.") Both Andrew McKellar and Richard Wouters add an extra kick to most of the songs and give them immense depth and energy.
Perhaps the most important element that transforms this band from good to incredible is their compelling lyrics which add that extra layer of magic to their music. Each song weaves a tale of hope, longing, love and more and are like thought provoking poems set to music. A perfect example of that is one of the many incredible lyrics from "Human": I'm just an image of something so much greater, I am just a picture frame, I am not the painter. Where do I begin, can I shed this skin, what is this I feel within? While some of the songs are colored with spirituality, the interpretation of the powerful words is left up to the listener and their music takes everyone on a quest to figure out life's many mysteries. But a search for something greater then one's self seems only fitting for a band that’s from the same country as the remarkable Nelson Mandela. The three musicians combined together produce a stunning and complex sound both in concert and on CD and even despite lyrics that touch on loss, their music never leaves you feeling down. Instead the songs have positive, uplifting messages and are so poignant and well-crafted that it's is easy to forget that this is their first release. Human is definitely one of the most unique and impressive debut CDs in years, in fact listeners who bought the original version on Amazon.com and Itunes even compared the band to early U2. Some of the other standouts from Human: "Anybody Out There," "Trouble," and "Something She Said" can still be heard on the band's Myspace page to satisfy anyone's curiosity until the CD is re-released. If the CD remains the same as before, then there will be something to satisfy everyone. There are plenty of up-tempo songs to balance out the slower, quieter tracks. But even the mellower tracks themselves are often broken up with energetic bursts of humming guitars and rapid fire drum beats. This sounds particularly inspired during the opening of the standout track: "Letter's From The Sky," a song that could give you chills it's so beautiful. "Letter's From The Sky" along with "Quiet In My Town" not only can be listened to on the band's Myspace page but can also be purchased on iTunes.
The band's journey is just as interesting as the gorgeous stories told on their CD. According to the band's website, they were as much inspired by the rich, musical landscape of their home country as American and British bands like Oasis and Nirvana. Civil Twilight in essence was born when Andrew, still in high school, joined up with friend Wouters to form a band. Upon the discovery that Andrew’s younger brother Steven could actually sing and write songs the trio was complete. The three of them have been practicing and honing their craft ever since in venues as diverse as their sound, places like small clubs and even churches. Civil Twilight made the fateful move to America in 2005 living in cities like Los Angeles and South Carolina where they continued to perform and grow as a band. But perhaps their biggest break came when the band signed with the label: One October, this allowed them the chance to record their songs and tour more extensively around the U.S. Even more exposure came for Civil Twilight when they opened for bands like The Bravery and The Fratellis for a few shows last year. This no doubt introduced them to many new fans who may otherwise not have heard them and also gave them a chance to shine in front of an even bigger audience. Now signed with Windup Records the band seems well on their way to success, especially due to the impending new album release and a tour that kicked off earlier this summer and takes them everywhere from New York to Texas.
But now is the chance for the DC area to see this diamond in the rough. Civil Twilight not only will be playing a headlining gig at DC9 (On the Club Stage) this Tuesday, July 21st but also will be playing Sonar in Baltimore on Thursday, July 24th opening for ZO2. The ticket price for the DC show is a steal at $8 and for the Baltimore show, tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. What you can expect is three musicians who display a love of performing no matter the size of the crowd. They transport their small but striking catalog of songs to stage superbly and occasionally even pull out a surprise like a entrancing cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrop" or a jaw dropping, hard-rocking rendition of "Immigrant Song." But not only are they superior live performers on the cusp of fame but they also have a reputation of being extremely personable too, often chatting with fans after the show. Look for an interview right here in the next few weeks to get to know Civil Twilight even better but in the meantime do yourself a favor and go see this band live. Don’t miss a chance to see a band that can proudly hold a spot next to the likes of: Dave Matthews, Charlize Theron, Lucky Dube and Ladysmith Black Mambazo as extremely gifted South Africans who thankfully have shared their gift with the rest of us. As an extra bonus, until my forthcoming interview is posted, please enjoy this great interview previously done by bandbunny.com that shows why Civil Twilight is loved not just for their music but their wonderful personalities.
To purchase tickets for DC go HERE, to purchase tickets for MD go HERE. For a complete list of tour dates and info: check out www.civiltwilightband.com , www.myspace.com/civiltwilightband or twitter.com/civil_twilight_
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