Holy crap do we have a lot of new stuff going on. . . and a lot of fun things that have happened.
The last two weeks, we've had some of our best shows ever in Gainesville, Orlando, and Tampa. We played in Tampa and Orlando w/ Look Mexico. . . those bros are so fun. The played a couple new songs, and I have to tell you, I think you are going to like them. After the show in Tampa some of us (ok, Kyle, Matt, Josh, Ryan, Ryan, and Dave- along with our pals from Tallahassee Mike H. and Mike R.) wandered down to Czar and had some fun after our show at Crowbar, before heading back and crashing at Mike R's house. Thanks so much dude.
The next day we stopped by Matt's parent's house, and they treated us to some Arbys! Love Arbys! Then we drove back to Orlando.
Skyline Underground opened, and we have to say, we were really impressed, and want to thank them for working so hard to promote the show. Dignan was good again (and definitely worth a listen, hope to see them again) and Look Mexico was even better than the night before.
We played one of our best sets ever. . . and sadly, one of our last sets ever with Andy Matchett. Like, really sadly.
Truthfully, we kind of knew all along we were on borrowed time with Andy. He has been steadily recording his own album, and has already performed one show with the new project, Andy Matchett and The Minks. The lineup is stellar, and you need to check them out, but more on that later.
Our last show with Andy will probably be August 7 at Propaganda in Lake Worth. I say probably because who knows what could happen? One day he may get bored, and jump on stage with us. Or, someone can't make a show and he could stand in. He is still our favorite dude ever and we will always welcome him in with open arms, at any show any time.
On that note, we have been working with people who will be taking over for him. Our thought process right now is that we may end up as a five piece again, with a new keyboard player and a second guitar player again. But again. . . nothing is set in stone. (if you are a strong guitar player who can contribute strong vocal harmonies, and like to have fun, email noahkussack@gmail.com.)
In the mean time, we actually start recording our new EP August 13 with James Paul Wisner. Needless to say, we're pretty excited to work with the guy, and are currently planning out the release of this EP. We're also doing our best to get the current EP out there to anyone who will listen, so download that stuff at reverbnation.com/xoxofl. It's free. If you want a physical copy, go to our store.
So, that's all of that.
We've got some shows coming up this month, and honestly each of them should be worth catching. Here they are:
08/07: Lake Worth @ Propaganda w/ The Notary, The Grecian Urns & Retrocities
08/21: Brandon @ The Porch w/ Look Mexico and Alexander & The Grapes
08/28: Orlando @ The Backbooth w/ ANDY MATCHETT AND THE MINKS, The Beuvilles, TBA
08/29: Sarasota @ Box Social w/ ANDY MATCHETT AND THE MINKS, Maid Mosephine and The Equines, Superband (? we think this is correct ?)
So. . . while you may or may not get a chance to see Andy play with us again, you absolutely will get to see his new band play with us in August, and I'm sure plenty often thereafter in various FL cities.
Also, in the mean time, Andy and I (Kyle) will now be working together on my blog. I do interviews and other things, and Andy will be doing some album reviews and who knows what else. Our primary focus with this is on friends and Florida bands, and promoting people we care about, really, although we will periodically touch on other people, too. Check it out.
We're gonna miss you, Andy.
See you soon. . .
