54 Seconds to hit the road this May
Music News | Apr 18th, 2008
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Austin, TX-based four-piece 54 Seconds has confirmed a tour that will see them on the road in May (see tour dates below). The band, headed up by Spencer Gibb, who is the son of the Bee Gees’ Robin Gibb, released their latest album, “Postcards from California,” in 2007. Said press about the album:
“A stellar set brimming with marvelous songs, thoughtful lyrics, sensational arrangements, and heady atmospheres, this is 54 Seconds’ strongest album to date, and one wonders how they can possibly top it.” AllMusic.com
“The new disc delivers an unexpected punch of beautifully crafted old-school pop with modern trappings, bolstered by the talents of its individual components and a willingness to deviate from form for art’s sake. … ‘Postcards From California’ opens with gorgeous harmonies that carry its introspective melancholy. It sends notice that pop can be just as substantial as rock without compromising integrity.” Austin Chronicle
“…pretty-sounding psychedelic-pop… …Lush, laid-back songs like California,’ Ben’s Letter’ and Still Behind Me’ mingle with more upbeat material such as the swing-tastic How I Roll (Summer Version),’ the faux-Motown charm of New World’ and the Americana pop song Dirty Little Secret.'” Shepherd Express
54 Seconds was born in Southern England but burst out as a musical force in Austin, TX in the late 1990’s. Best described as psychedelic-pop headphone music with swirling guitar textures and freakish keyboards, the band renders excellent melodies, heartening lyrics and eerie, otherworldly atmospheres that wrench the gut of the listener. Joining Gibb in 54 Seconds are Rachel Loy (bass), Stewart Cochran (keys) and Jeff Botta (drums). Each member has played with other bands in a myriad of musical styles. Gibb is both a music and film producer, having created several noteworthy videos for the band. “Better?” (off critically-acclaimed album Coma) won the SXSW Film Festival Jury Award for Best Music Video and was in rotation on MTV Europe.
A performer from a very young age, singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Loy has appeared on NBC’s Today Show and had a Billboard-charting hit song in 2003. Cochran plays piano for ballet and modern dance performances. Largely improvised, he records these sessions for possible use in future 54 Seconds songs. Botta is involved in countless side projects around Austin, moonlighting not only as a drummer but also as a vocalist and music teacher. Having had years of residencies at various notable Austin clubs as well as playing a few shows in NYC, 54 Seconds’ catalogue includes three full-length indie releases, an EP, three music videos and numerous live albums.
The band can be found online at www.54seconds.comor www.myspace.com/54seconds.
54 Seconds Tour Dates:
May 5th The Basement, Nashville, TN
May 6th Cicero’s, University City, MO
May 8th Abbey Pub, Chicago, IL
May 9th Fine Line Music Caf, Minneapolis, MN
May 10th Points East Pub, Milwaukee, WI
May 11th Frankie’s Inner-City, Toledo, OH
May 13th World Caf Live (upstairs), Philadelphia, PA
May 14th TT The Bear’s Place, Cambridge, MA
May 16th Union Hall, Brooklyn, NY
May 17th Rehab, New York, NY
May 18th The Red & The Black, Washington, DC
May 19th The Cave, Chapel Hill, NC
May 20th Map Room, Charleston, SC
May 21st Star Bar, Atlanta, GA
…with several more dates still to be added to this run!