Artist News
Chrysalis Presents…
Cool poster, eh? You’ll be seeing these every month from now on, as Chrysalis showcases its up-and-coming talent. The “Million Dollar Bash” series kicks off this Thursday with a three-band bill at one of our favorite Hollywood watering holes, so be there or be square.
The Coals
The Coals are the last band you’d expect to find in Los Angeles’ sparkly scene. Rooted in the rich, lyrical songwriting and earthy baritone of Jason Mandell, The Coals evoke desert nights and dusty roads – but minus the cuteness or irony that soaks so much of today’s folk music. Comparisons to heart-on-their-sleeve bands like Bright Eyes and classic craftsmen like Kris Kristofferson aren’t far off, but it’s The Coals’ live performance, which crackles with raw energy and country textures, that sets them apart.
In ’09, The Coals held a residency at Largo – mecca for some of music’s most genre-defying artists – where they opened for Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Their forthcoming EP is culled from recording sessions in Denton, Texas and L.A. It includes guest vocals by Sara Watkins and Patrick Park with production by Mike Daly (Whiskeytown), Michael Beinhorn (Soundgarden, Chili Peppers) and longtime Fiona Apple collaborator Dave Palmer.