With groups like The Flaming
Lips and Starlight Mints putting out recent critic-pleasing gems, you could start
to believe that the almost-forgotten southern state of Oklahoma is secretly charmed,
and if there is a quiet buzz about it, Ester Drang will do its share to raise
that whisper a notch or two.
The band has been playing in various forms since 1995. They've quietly released
an EP, a single, a full length, and recently signed to Jade Tree Records. Their
second album Infinite Keys (JT1082) was recorded in December at Echo Labs and
mixed at Soma (WILCO, STEREOLAB) by Chris Colbert (Summer Hymns, Elf Power). Along
with Infinite Keys, the Drang has a vinyl only EP coming out on Burnt Toast Vinyl
that features Steven Drozd of the Flaming Lips.
Through several line up changes, the core of Ester Drang has stayed the same.
The influences here range from My Bloody Valentine to Marvin Gaye... Spiritualized
to Beatles... Mogwai to Phillip Glass... Rachel's to Boards of Canada... but theres
no ripping off or cheap imitations to be found. Ester Drang plays in a well established
tradition without once stepping on any toes or button-holing themselves into any
particular buzz-word genre.
The Drang is steadily making a name for themselves and winning the respect of
people that they've looked up to for years. Ester Drang has toured with Pedro
the Lion, Starflyer 59, Denali, and Unwed Sailor and has shared the stage with
the White Stripes, Wheat, the Starlight Mints, Get Up Kids, and Roadside Monument
to name a few.
former members: sterling williams,
brian brewer, david
motter
honored guests: john owen parish, matt nader, james plumlee, liza landers, jeremy
forbis, jason bilyeu, matt putman