Agent Ribbons: “I’m Alright”
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Tired of flying out to Sacramento, California, violinist Naomi Cherie asked her two bandmates in Agent Ribbons if they would consider moving to her homebase of Austin. Natalie Gordon and Lauren Hess took her up on the offer, and they haven’t looked back. Since the move, Agent Ribbons has pared down to just guitar and drums, but they’re still able to make a sizable racket.
In a town crowded with lo-fi garage rock bands, Gordon and Hess bring some peculiar sounds to the city limits. Their 2010 album, Chateau Crone, is indebted to that primitive ’60s stomp that so many are referencing these days, but hints of cabaret, jazz, and psychedelic pop creep into the mix as well. Gordon, the lead singer and guitarist for the duo, starts writing songs one way and lets her imagination run wild. Hess not only adds a steady backbeat but also harmonies that could steal the light in their own right.
Locally, the group is still making their way up the food chain, but they’ve already toured around the world with the likes of Camera Obscura and Cake. It seems odd that they’re more nationally known than in their own backyard, but those tables will soon turn–they’re hard at work on a follow-up that should be out by the end of the year.
Today’s song of the day is a perfect introduction to offbeat charm of Agent Ribbons. “I’m Alright” kicks off Chateau Crone and manages to pack a lot of ideas into three-and-half minutes. This Austin duo wouldn’t have it any other way.
You can also catch Agent Ribbons at South By Southwest:
Wednesday, March 14, The Liberty, 6:30pm
Saturday, March 17, Scottish Rite Theater, 6pm
Saturday, March 17, Official SXSW Showcase, Maggie Mae’s Gibson Room, 1am
Podcast: Download (8.4MB)
Can we make this “Song of the Year”? Yes, I think we can!!