southern records

On January 28th in Europe and February 19th in US, Southern Records will release the debut self-titled album by Glorytellers. Glorytellers is the new main vehicle for Geoff Farina's (Karate, Secret Stars) songwriting. His distinctive voice panning bittersweet stories over his jazzy guitar work has been a signature style ever since the early 90's. His reputation as an accomplished electric guitar player and tube amplifier guru drew a lot of listeners to Karate. However with his new project, he explores his muse almost entirely with acoustic instrumentation. Various steel and nylon string guitars create the different moods free of most modern circuitry on Glorytellers.

Geoff's appreciation for pre/early-20th Century American music rings through on most of the album. And what his music references for inspiration is often forgotten among most of today's pop culture that views rock n' roll as the first stop on our timeline. Glorytellers' instrumentation calls up Skip James and Blind Blake while at the same time not off-handedly raiding their legacy for ideas. Geoff's lyrics have never seemed so present and urgent. Here he's not just an abstract lyricist but he's become a storyteller. They include stories of a teenage mother determined to raise her child against her family's wishes, of a friend habitually in trouble with the law, of suburban parents who inadvertently vote for the policies that send their sons to war, and of Karate's experience witnessing a drug-related murder on tour. The characters in these dark stories share a positive outlook, and Glorytellers songs are ultimately about survivors searching normalcy in the face of tribulation.

Farina recorded these songs in 2006 with the help of drummer Luther Gray III (Ida, Joe Morris Trio) and engineer Andy Hong, who recorded most of Karate's catalog. Farina and Hong then spent countless hours in Andy's Boston studio experimenting, re-tracking, and re-mixing these 10 songs until the often-peculiar arrangements congealed. In 2007 Farina formed a touring version of the band with guitarist Josh Larue (Mice Parade, Him), and drummer Gavin McCarthy (Karate, Cul de Sac). Larue will take a break to become father in early 2008, when Ty Citerman (Gutbucket) will take over guitar duties.

Speaking of live, last month Southern released what Karate consider their finest live recording on CD and Double LP titled /595/. The band kept an impressive list of all 650+ shows they played during their existence from 1994-2005. This show, taped in Belgium on their 2003 European tour, was number 595. It is worth owning for newcomers to the Karate catalog because of how crystal clear it sounds and how inspired the performances of these songs are. And for veteran fans reading this, you should already have a copy.

Want to buy 595 from us?

Go here to visit our online shop, which makes sense if you live in Europe for shipping and currency. If you live in the US, we advise you to contact us here to mailorder it or go support your nearest independent record shop!