Introducing: Two Dark Birds!

Two Dark Birds have come a long way since their start in Pakatakan Mountain, NY (though singer and Milwaukee native Steve Koester first made a name for himself with the band Punchdrunk and since then, he’s led Koester and also Maplewood). Their 2008 self-titled debut was not only celebrated within the indie music scene, but critically welcomed and praised across the board. The Big Takeover called it “one of this year’s most subdued and moving releases,” and it should come as no surprise that the influential publication jumped at the chance to premiere the “Song For Clementine” music video this month. The band was loudly lauded by Men’s Vogue, who claimed that the band created “a masterful soundtrack to self-reflection.” The record also featured contributions from members of The Wrens, Guster, Maplewood, and The Hold Steady and his been spotlighted in Nylon Magazine, Reveille Magazine, OnMilwaukee and many more. Two Dark Birds recently recorded a song for an Esopus Magazine compilation based on the Guy Maddin film The Saddest Music in the World.

“Song For Clementine” is the first bit of goodness to come from Two Dark Birds’ upcoming album Songs For The New, hitting the physical and digital marketplace October 4th. The album is being released by indie veterans Riot Bear Recording Company (originally Made In Mexico, who are responsible for putting out records by Pedro The Lion, and members of the Gossip, Blood Brothers, Shoplifting, Chromatics and Fleet Foxes). The track is soulful and upbeat tune that features an array of brass, wind, and accordion in addition to the familiar drums, bass, guitar combo, best described as with traces of Neil Young’s On the Beach and The Band’s Music from Big Pink with echoes of Dylan, Bill Withers, and the Meat Puppets.



“Song For Clementine”

Two Dark Birds – Song for Clementine – [Official Music Video] from Erica Hill Studio on Vimeo.