The hillbillies and misfits of Northland and Mountain View Arkansas rejoice as Maungaturoto-based two-piece, The Advocators, release their debut album ‘Songs from an Endless Night’, for independent release on the 8th of March 2024.
Songs from an Endless Night was recorded between sou-westerly squalls in a shed/studio out the back of Tomarata between empties and unrepaired trailer sailors. The recordings were supported by William Jackson (bass, drums, producer and engineer), Anita Clark (violin and vocals) and mastered by Chris Chetland of Kog Studio. Flirting with both cynicism and naive hope, the album explores themes of unrequited love, contempt, disillusionment, and redemption.
The album has a sparse, gritty, vintage sound, oscillating between bluegrass country ballads and hostile gospel stomp rock and features the singles ‘Dreams’, ‘Bad Girls’, ‘Elijah’ and ‘Waitin’ Round to Die’ (the latter an abrasive cover of the profound and haunting Townes Van Zandt song)
The songs on the album were written largely in isolation by Leroy Brown (guitar, banjo, and lead vocals) and Mark Bruce (guitar, backing vocals and melodica). The result of this isolation is a singular set of songs with raw emotion and meticulous attention to lyricism.
The recording of this album had to be delayed due to Leroy being beset by tragedy with the loss of his son, not only was the project delayed, but the mood, songwriting and vision of the album significantly changed.
Tour dates to all the hillbilly hotspots around New Zealand are set to be announced for later this year, keep an eye on Instagram for further details to come.
Additional information and images available at https://theadvocatorsmusic.com/ or can be provided upon request.
Links
Official website: https://theadvocatorsmusic.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6d3439FyRESJVs7Hc6uGib
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadvocatorsmusic/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/theadvocators
Email: theadvocatorsmusic@gmail.com