The Sundowns

The Sundowns are taking a long term sabatical. Check out what the various members are up to here: www.myspace.com/thewynntownmarshals www.myspace.com/roywtaylor www.myspace.com/dropkickmusic
THE SUNDOWNS were formed in June 2001 – Keith B, Ali and Ross grew up in Aberdeenshire and played together in various high school bands. Here's some info on one of the best alt country bands currently in Scotland.
Keith J hails from Dalgety Bay and the band met through a scribbled down ad in a music store by a “Drummer looking for likeminded songsmith/ band to tumble across dusty musical trails”. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when Simon Ritson (originally from Moffat) joined, after the band advertised for their very own ‘Bass Idol’. Keith J had enjoyed previous success with NME darlings Joyriders and Hut signings Marc Pilley and Hobotalk, and Keith B and Ross had been writing and playing together for several years. The band met, played together for a few weeks, and then recorded a 4 track demo.
It was clear from the start that the band members all had an affinity with the growing alternative country scene, and ploughed the same furrow as alt. country pioneers The Jayhawks and the harmony driven power pop of The Byrds and Teenage Fanclub.
The band released their debut album ‘The Merchant House Tapes’ in July 2001 on their own label Charger Records. Recorded and produced by Al Denholm, who handled production duties for Hobotalk. The album launch received rave reviews in the local press, and two tracks from the album received the ‘Demo of the Month’ award in the musicians’ bible ‘Making Music’ magazine. The Sundowns have received radio airplay on Beat 106 and Forth 1, and have performed sold out shows in some of Central Scotland’s most popular venues, including support slots with established names such as the Cosmic Rough Riders, Marah, Roddy Frame, Runrig, The Delgados and even the kings of the 12 bar blues, Status Quo. Last summer the band took the trip south west to join the pagan horde at the Wickerman Festival, and this summer sees the debut of the band at the Belladrum Festival near Inverness.
The Sundowns’ sophomore release, ‘Calabasas’, was initially released at the start of February ’05, and was recorded and mixed at the Substation in Fife. Michael Brennan, sound engineer for Super Furry Animals and producer for acclaimed bands such The Zephyrs, Mogwai and The Pernice Brothers produced the album. The recent album launch went down well, with strong reviews of the show in Edinburgh’s Evening News and The List magazine. The Sundowns are currently expanding their sound through the introduction of pedal steel guitar, and the quest to bring their own brand of Americana to the live music scene in Scotland continues. And of course, they are making sure they have as much fun as possible while doing it.
CALABASAS REVIEWS:
*10/10 in www.americana-uk.com
*ALBUM OF THE MONTH! at www.the-medicineshow.co.uk
*4/5 in The List (Scots magazine)
*4.5/5 and ALBUM OF THE MONTH! at www.altcountry.nl
"CALABASAS" IS NOW AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD RECORD SHOPS AND ONLINE SUPERMARKETS/ MUSIC STORES.