Chicago trio Speck Mountain are set to officially release their debut album in the UK, after months of slow-building recognition.
The band consists of songwriters Karl Briedrick on guitar and singer Marie-Claire Balabanian, with Kate Walsh on vintage organ and piano.
'Summer Above' is out through Peace Frog on 7th April, and we got Karl to introduce themselves to us.
What were your first impressions of each other when you met?
Marie-Claire seemed painfully shy and reclusive, and Kate seemed like a proper Irish ale drinker with a great wit. Marie-Claire says I was super warm and welcoming, but she thought my cowboy boots were over the top.
When did you start becoming aware of a buzz in the UK?
When Piccadilly Records rated us 5th record of the year.
How did you come to be on Peace Frog?
Piccadilly Records played them 'Summer Above' and they called within a week.
You've been searching for a percussionist/drummer to play with you - how did that search go?
We found one! Her name is Katie. It was kind of cool - we got to play with a lot of other Chicago drummers at our live shows. We played with Rob Lowe from Lichens and Nora from Bird Names.
You named yourselves after the first and last words in Bret Easton Ellis's Glamorama - can you offer any correlation between this work and yours?
I think the book is ultimately about not being an asshole and we certainly share that feeling. That chapter where Victor is by the pool and decides to become like the rest of the party goers is one of the most heartbreaking moments in art. Sometimes when we have to check our egos we will say to each other "hey man, Victor by the pool".
Have you been able to visit the UK yet? Do you have any live dates planned?
We are planning a Spring tour right now.
Can you tell us about the second album? How would you compare it to 'Summer Above', and what have you done differently this time?
'Summer Above' was us trying to do everything we ever wanted to try in the studio. We knew exactly what we were trying to express. On this album we allowed ourselves to explore different musical territory and sounds without overthinking it.
Becky Reed
Speck Mountain Myspace
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