Jeff Angell’s STATICLAND will release its self-titled debut album May 20th on UDR, a captivating menagerie of songs that effortlessly shift from raucous, snarling, barn burners to moving Stones-inspired ballads that you will want to play on repeat. Produced By Grammy award winner Vance Powell (Jack White, The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs, Seasick Steve), the sound is that of a provocative, imaginative blues rock which breathes new life into the genre both sonically and stylistically.
They recruited Post Stardom Depression drummer Joshua Fant, entered a rehearsal room in Seattle and started, as Angell calls it, “putting in the time.” The songs came together quickly, and before they knew it, they had conceived a thrilling batch of new material that succeed in capturing the spontaneity and excitement of people who are passionate about making music and that have the experience to do it well. The songs swing and shuffle savagely. They are dynamic and diverse, and while each stands as an achievement on its own.
Angell’s voice can best be described as smoky, versatile and articulate but most importantly, believable. With it he tells the stories of colourful characters, contemplates relationships, and shares dreamy imagery, all the while spurring the listener to expand on the limits we allow ourselves to go. “If there is one consistent theme I kept coming across, it was, let’s leave the past where it belongs.” Angell says. “Band names are a lot like cops: There’s never one around when you need one,” Angell jokes. “We had a great album and we were in need of a name. We wanted something that sounded like a place, a novel or a television series. We started throwing things together that fit that criteria, and we arrived at STATICLAND. Maybe it’s a place where things don’t change and these songs are our plan of escape. I like to think of this record as taking an obstacle and turning it to an opportunity. It’s an invitation to roll the dice.”