I reviewed Eric and Mark’s single release “Matterbloomlight” off their previous album “Of All These Things” last year.
These guys are prolific to say the least…I guess they have a lot to say.
There is an urgency to this, hidden in the melancholy, soulful music. It’s as if they know that time is short and they need us to pay attention. It’s a beautiful concept really, and while you listen to the album, the stories of each song unfold and their messages echo around you.
The production is gentle, simply and restrained, and yet perfectly balanced. It’s really powerful and just absolutely excellent. There are some gorgeous soundscapes and organic effects throughout, playing effortlessly with the themes of every track.
My favorite track is ”Wonder A Time,” just a beautiful mournful loss filled song. Love it!
These guys have been together for more than 17 years and their collaboration feels effortless and deeply wrought. These songs are pulled from the heart with poetic lyrics that spin tales drawn from life and love and memories and hopefulness.
They are Moby meets REM, California in the rain, local boys…in Pasadena. I’d love to see them play live!! Eric’s gorgeous, vulnerable and haunting voice is supported by some sweetly vivid guitar, keys, and absolutely lovely percussion all warmly and magically spiraling. It’s really brilliant music, the kind of album you could leave spinning on the turntable on repeat, setting a truly cinematic, Wim Wenders mood. These guys just know how to write and perform beautifully crafted songs about things that are interesting, meaningful and absolutely them. I highly recommend “Ghosts To Ancestors” because it’s shockingly good.
https://andersobitz.bandcamp.com/album/ghosts-to-ancestors
All songs written by Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz
Produced by Mark O’Bitz
Additional production by Jeff Peters, Randy Ray Mitchell, and William Snyder.
Mostly recorded by Jeff Peters at The Pie Studios, Pasadena.
Jeff Peters was assisted by Beau Floch
Additional recording done at Akadak Studios and at Eric’s home studio.
Mixed by Randy Ray Mitchell
Mastered by Greg Calbi, Sterling Sound.
Ileana Hernandez and Eric Anders – Cover Art