While one cannot force labels to sign artists, we did expect more contractual movement within the Hardly Art camp. The Sub Pop-affiliated imprint popped its cherry a couple of years ago, and although it is frequently seen out with present flings Arthur & Yu, The Dutchess & the Duke, Le Loup, and Pretty & Nice, we expected to see a number of other acts roster-tied by now. Well, the pent-up frustration was worth the wait because Hardly Art has announced not only that it has deflowered hometown sweetheart Talbot Tagora, but the young stud has also bedded village bicycle Unnatural Helpers!
Keeping it homespun, Hardly Art have signed Seattle three-piece Talbot Tagora who will release their debut album July 21 through the energetic upstart. Chris Ando, Mark Greshowak, and Ani Ricci will release Lessons in the Woods or a City after a lengthy period of self-administering sneaky CD-R, cassette, and 7-inch teasings.
Lessons in the Woods or a City tracklisting:
1. Mixed Signals through Miles of Pilgrimage
2. Ichthus Hop
3. Bounty Hunter
4. Solar Puppets
5. Hunger Strike
6. Black Ice
7. Mouth Rainboy
8. Hidden Note
9. Hairspray
10. Johnny Lazor
11. Replacing the Northwest
12. Perception Stick
13. Belt of Cander
14. Ephemeral Summer
Meanwhile, Unnatural Helpers are helmed by Double Fudge’s Dean Whitmore and also feature Leo Gebhardt (The Catheters, Tall Birds), Kimberly Morrison (The Dutchess & the Duke), and Brian Standeford (The Catherters, Idle Times). Less is known about their future record plans, but when they do decide to go all the way with their sophomore album it will definitely be with rock-hard Hardly Art. Until, then, feast your ears on some tunes from their MySpace page or catch one of these three Seattle-centric live shows:
05.16.09 - Seattle, WA - Neumos #
06.20.09 - Seattle, WA - Underground Events Center $
08.22.09 - Seattle, WA - Funhouse %
# Obits, The Lights
$ Fresh & Onlys
% Box Elders
