"Reminiscent of Jim James, Townes Van Zandt and a (sometimes) very Dylan-esque midwestern drawl, it's mellow folk that, as the songs pass gradually, abandons country and the harmonica for heavier, meandering slow core. The middle tracks are like Jason Molina and the entire Magnolia Electric Co. got a nice swift kick in the pants, told to add some gusto and hurry that shit up (not an uncommon thought). It ends right back where it started; the plaintive singer/songwriter with bare guitar and vocals."
- 75 or Less
"Xander walks the line ably, dancing (slowly) with the past but moving (surely) toward the future."
- Chris Heaney, WNUR 89.3 - CHICAGO
"...the first requirement of any successful artist is the ability to create music that connects emotionally with an audience, and this Nathan does effortlessly."
- Paul King, the Daily Vault
"(Swiftly, Surely) is a stumbling, shuffling treat that will appeal to lovers of Neil Young at his chaotic best."
- Tom Fahey, Americana OK
Hush young fragile pups, and turn your weary ears in the direction of Big Nate.
The whirring coo of a young ancient's echoing madness.
A battle cry for the triumph of Human potential and a lullaby to Human suffering.
Ease your trembling skeleton.
He can bare the load, and all you have to do is listen...
- A. B. Sheppard '07
--------------------------------------------------Nathan Xander was born a Pisces in, Union City, Pennsylvania in 1983 and currently lives in Chicago. After playing in a variety of bands, Nathan eventually fell in love with American folk and classic country music.
Nathan, who also plays the harmonica and piano, picked up playing the guitar at 19, and started writing his own songs at 21. He is inspired daily by the work and lives of songwriters such as Kris Kristofferson, Townes Van Zandt, and Neil Young.
Nathan likes to drive, smokes a lot, and enjoys sprawling out on a 10-foot black couch in the late morning hours reading Richard Brautigan.
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Swiftly, Surely, a 7-song mini LP released in August 2007 on the artist’s own imprint aww…rats, is a collection of songs written and performed by Nathan Xander since winter 2006. The album was recorded with percussion from Evan Hydzik of Pillars and Tongues.
A solo tour through the northeast and southern United States during August and September 2007 included stops in Memphis, Boston, and the District of Columbia. Another tour of the east and midwest is being planned for spring 2008.
Swiftly, Surely draws inspiration from On the Beach Era Neil Young, Gram Parsons’ Cosmic American music and Dylan’s thin wild mercury sound and finds itself somewhere in between. Straightforward, honest song writing and a unique lyrical prowess are the priorities for Xander.
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Swiftly, Surely has been re-released by 75 or Less Records. Get it HERE .
EP AVAILABLE AT:
Reckless Records - Chicago, IL
Permanent Records - Chicago, IL
Laurie's Planet of Sound - Chicago, IL
Paul's CDs - Pittsburgh, PA
the Exchange - Pittsburgh, PA
INSOUND
iTunes
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