Christians & Lions is based out of Jamaica Plain and has been a notable part of the Boston DIY scene.[1]
Christians & Lions |
|---|
They released one record, More Songs for Dreamsleepers and the Very Awake, on ECA Records in 2005. They are currently on their self-operated label, Floating Garbage Continent and released an EP called Bird's Milk in 2009.
All of the band's music is available to download for free on the band's website for a small suggested donation.
History
Brothers Ben and Sam Potrykus played music together since junior high school. Together with a group of other friends they formed Sharp Teeth. In addition to guitar, the band featured upright bass, mandolin and a trash can and tambourine for percussion. In 2004, Christians and Lions formed in a stripped down version of Sharp Teeth, with Ben and Sam as the only members.
Friends and former roommates, guitarist Matt Sisto and drummer Chris Mara joined the band to record their first album. In 2006, the band released More Songs for Dreamsleepers and the Very Awake on ECA Records. It was recorded at Basement 247 in Alston, MA. It garnered favorable reviews, being called "smart and textured indie-folk" by the Boston Phoenix and "somehow comfortable, yet unsettling...like a Cadillac someone died in" by engineer Jack Younger.[2] The lyrics are philosophical, having been inspired by theorists like Hélène Cixous, Louis Althusser and Marshall McLuhan.[3] It is the musical equivalent of a warm fire on a cold winter night. An album full of memorable melodies and lavish intrumentation including brass, organ, and singing saw.
2006 also saw the release of their Acoustic LP which featured acoustic versions of the songs from More Songs. It includes an up-tempo version of "Sexton Under Glass" and an unreleased track "Firebelly Salamander."
In 2007 the band released the Gimmie Diction Single, which featured two unreleased tracks "Free Radio Post Apocalyptic Metropolis Blues" and "Asa Nisi Masa."
Towards the end of 2007, the band's live shows incorporated more effects and digital elements. However, the band broke up in order for its members to pursue other projects. Ben went on to continue experimenting with tape effects in the band BAXIA. Sam went on to play bass in The Needy Visions.
In 2008 the band reunited and started their own label, Floating Garbage Continent.
Sam left the project to pursue other things in 2009. The band started touring and released an EP called Bird's Milk.
Discography
More Songs for the Dreamsleepers and the Very Awake (2006) Acoustic LP (2006) [Gimmie Diction Single]] (2007) Bird's Milk EP (2009)