The Los Angeles-based band behind the critically acclaimed debut album, Movies, THE STRIPMINERS announce the November 13 release of their sophomore record Frail Hope Ranch. THE STRIPMINERS are Brett Anderson, vocalist for rock & roll dynamos The Donnas, Paul Stinson from The Radishes, producer/guitarist Scrote (Daniel Johnston, Puscifer), Brett Simons (Brian Wilson, Fiona Apple, Melissa Etheridge) on bass, DJ Bonebrake (of X fame) on drums and Holland Greco (Anais Mitchell, The Peak Show) multi-instrumentalist, singer.
THE STRIPMINERS debut album, Movies, showcased the band’s predilection for an eclectic and varied mix of punk, alternative country and garage rock. New album "Frail Hope Ranch" adopts a more cohesive musical theme and is comprised almost entirely of moody alt-country ballads conveying the visual of the name behind the title track. Interestingly, these songs were written and recorded at the same time as their debut, but the band chose to save these to be packaged together specifically for their second release. Thematically the songs revolve around a male/female duo: "Sometimes we're siblings, sometimes we're lovers, it's a little sick, but who wants to hear songs about healthy people?” states Lady Brett.
Apparently the album jolts the senses with spooky, guitar/violin instrumentals, and paints a picture of fear, pathos and confusion. Yay! Just in time for summer down under! The first single, “The Twins,” is supposed to demonstrate the album’s lyrical poetry, depth and complexity.
According to the press release, the bands slow-motion fuzzy guitars, lethargic, deep bass picking and atmospheric cymbal rolls, blend with lyrics that are equally dark, matching heartbreaking refrains sung by Stinson and Anderson, “I’m still hiding away with you” and “I’m still pining away over you”. The album finale, a cover of The Zombies’ “She’s Not There”, incorporates vibes, tight harmonies, and (eventually) the anger that the lyrics convey.
Hmmmm.... Doesn't sound like a hoot and should we be giving the emotional problems of an incestuous couple of siblings that much thought?
"Frail Hope Ranch", is out October 31, 2012.
Check out first single "The Twins" below.
