Wookieback is an indie pop gem. It contains all the quirkiness one could hope for out of a early project of John Ringhofer, who is currently releasing amazing twee albums under the moniker Half-Handed Cloud. The bands on a conception theme not unlike Half-Handed Cloud's use of biblical references to form non-preachy and entertaining ditties. However, far from ancient religious inspiration, as Wookieback's name might suggest, the theme was science fiction references. Personally, this was a gift that kept on giving, not only did I have more of Ringhofer's signature vocals with suitable lo-fi production; but I enjoyed being a large enough Star Wars, and indeed sci-fi in general, nerd to understand many lyrics. The tracks are spliced with clips from old sci-fi films and help in giving it a nostalgic glow. Stand out songs include "Android Emotions," "Astronaut Shoes" and "Han's Bitter Solo Ballad" amongst more. Listening to the all 53 tracks compiled from their various releases will go by faster than one might think.
It should be noted that unlike Half-Handed Cloud which is for the most part a solo effort, this was a three member band with Matthew Vollmer and Brandon Buckner (now releasing music as Vest With Hood) in addition to Ringhofer. These Chattanooga fellows are twee superstars that never got the recognition they rightfully deserved.
To be had here:
Wookieback - Compilation
It should be noted that unlike Half-Handed Cloud which is for the most part a solo effort, this was a three member band with Matthew Vollmer and Brandon Buckner (now releasing music as Vest With Hood) in addition to Ringhofer. These Chattanooga fellows are twee superstars that never got the recognition they rightfully deserved.
To be had here:
Wookieback - Compilation
do you know which of the songs were on the "proposed moon suit" & "robots be one crazy weasel" eps? thanks for this btw! i love it :)
ReplyDeletenvm! i'm pretty sure i figured it out.
ReplyDeletehi, brandon from wookieback here. correction in the post there: vest with hood is my new project, not matthew's. also, how did you get your hands on this compilation when only 3 or 4 went out to members of the band and possibly asthmatic kitty? - thanks.
ReplyDeleteWookieback rocks!
ReplyDeleteI finally fixed what Brandon Buckner said. My bad. I found it how everything is found, searching with vigor. Probably on a peer to peer program, it only takes a single leak you know.
ReplyDeletei'm downloading to see if it's the same comp i compiled years back. it's just so obscure that i could only think of a few people who would have this (i would've personally mailed this out - if it's the same...).
ReplyDeleteSweet! I went to GCA with John and Matt. When they were doing WookieBack I was still running my little punk/ska label/mail-order BreastFed Records and John did my logo for me. Somewhere I have a tape of Robots be one crazy weasel that I didn't listen to too much because I don't want to risk screwing it up and not being able to hear the songs again. I'm so stoked to get to hear this all again.
ReplyDeleteI should clarify. GCA = high-school. I listened to my "robots be one crazy weasel" tape a TON, and then got cautious as it got older.
ReplyDeleteDoing my coding to Wookieback today. w00t!