We have started to like this trend we have been following lately and we may be the only ones on this uncommon path. Continuing our search for music outside of the mainstream we delved into a strange world of instrumental progressive indie rock with classical undertones. It is a deep hole, but we came out with the quite unique Digital Antique.
The band got its start in 2008 when its core members met at South Plains College, where they each studied music. Guitarist Travis Kennedy, drummer Payton Holekamp, and bassist James Parker Randolph have extensive musical backgrounds, experience, and a lot of inspiration from varied musical genres. Each has an obsessive ear for detail, which can be deadly to many bands, but within Digital Antique it seems to work. Their precise strategies and unconventional melodies mix logical processions with illogical time signatures. It is definitely odd, but is that a bad thing?
Last week the Austin, Texas band released the album II. The album artwork struck me right off the bat. It depicts an elephant created by antique parts reminiscent of the steampunk scene. The sound of the record seems based on classical pieces of antique music but brought up to date with a sophisticated take on progressive rock instrumentals. I had a flash of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, but without the Christmas overtone. ‘Flatline’ sticks out as an amazing display of mixing instruments to create a full spectrum of exciting sound that builds and builds to a lavish crescendo. Digital Antique’s lack of vocals is hardly noticeable as your mind starts to paint a cinematic picture as you listen to the songs intently. Two of their songs ‘NG’ and ‘Cali’ have already been selected for licensing deals. I can see this happening often as more and more films and commercials seek unique music to help their branding.
When you are ready to focus intently on a complex tapestry of sound, I recommend you take a listen to Digital Antique. It is different, but isn’t that what we are all searching for?