‘…the collaboration transforms the humble and organic indie rock stylings of APFO into something that is both wonderfully fresh yet comfortingly familiar…’
In 2024, Denver emo five-piece A Place For Owls achieved something truly remarkable with their sophomore record. Written following the miscarriage vocalist Ben Sooy and his partner experienced, ‘how we dig in the earth’ is an utterly devastating yet beautifully hopeful look at grief, and a vitally important testament to the power of community in our darkest times. Two years later, following a split EP with Birthday Dad, that sentiment may well truly come to life with their upcoming release.
‘All Thieves, Vol. 1’ sees the band constructing a seven track EP of collaborative works with friends all over the globe; a sonic testament to APFO’s belief in community and co-operation. Lead single, ‘To Be Found’, sees the band teaming up with phoneswithchords, a DIY “genre-ignoring” musician based out of Tennessee. The result is a beautifully tender folk number, layering filtered vocals atop of an instrumental that grows from lo-fi, bedroom pop acoustics towards a sunrise of twanging banjos, resonant pianos, and soul-stirring harmonies.
It is an unbelievably magical experience to behold, as the collaboration transforms the humble and organic indie rock stylings of APFO into something that is both wonderfully fresh yet comfortingly familiar. Sooy’s vocals are understated and muted, yet contain a desperation for connection that is so striking, it is difficult to articulate through words the effect this has on you; a melancholy that is so full of a painful innocence without feeling at all overwrought.
This is far more than a simple collaboration; this is A Place For Owls filtering their sound through the connection between themselves and phoneswithchords, transforming themselves into something both unexpected and wholly natural. ‘All Thieves, Vol. 1’ could be another truly remarkable release from this special, special band; we will be waiting with bated breath for the project to release on September 28th.
For Fans Of: Adjy, Topiary Creatures, linoleumville, Snow Patrol, Manchester Orchestra
A Place For Owls run a non-profit organisation for musicians. It is called Holy Fool, and is based out of Colorado. Details can be found here.
Follow the band on social media below:
A Place For Owls
phoneswithchords
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