THE NORMANS profile picture

THE NORMANS

CD release June 1st @ Cheapo!

About Me

We are a band. Here's what some press folks think of us, but you should really decide what you think for yourself...
"Combining catchy pop melodies and carefully crafted vocal harmonies has made The Normans a steady fixture in the Austin indie scene. Songwriter Brent Baldwin delivers intelligent, sometimes brooding lyrics but doesn't mire the band in a sea of self-loathing. The 2007 release, 'Stereo Savant', showcases the band's ability to deliver fuzzed out pop tunes that still respect the band's reserved, thoughtful sound"
(Austin360)
"Dreams of Autocrashes, the debut CD from India Records darling The Normans, prove indie rock doesn't have to be a one-dimensional diatribe of misery. Brent Baldwin crafts deeply layered songs of quiet intensity that incorporate gentle, Brian Wilson-like harmonies over intricately woven guitar melodies. His transparent, ethereal vocals conjure the spirit of Elliott Smith, leaving the listener craving more. This is the genius of Baldwin's songwriting; he is able to craft interesting musical ideas but doesn't have to beat you over the head with them."
(University Star)
"Extremely unique... a pop smorgasbord... lovers of good pop music will surely appreciate what Normans frontman Brent Baldwin has created here"
(Indieville)
"...intelligent witty lyrics... graceful folk-rock with spacey intentions... a pop masterpiece..."
(Smother)
"This is a great album which you will be listening to time and time again."
(Guitar Noise)
"'Writing' stands out because its melody is simple and tough... transforms empty-headedness into a bold Beach Boy strut-and-swagger worthy of Frank Black. It'll satiate your thirst for drink, initiate your interest in posing, and become a quick crowd favorite."
(Splendid)
"'Heavens to Betsy' is stark, resonant, almost monotonous... it has a dirgelike appeal, but it's addictive. You want to hear it rise and rise... the only moment of disappointment is when it ends."
(South of Mainstream)..
THE NORMANS' MUSIC IS AVAILABLE AT CD BABY & iTUNES

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 8/9/2004
Band Website: normansworld.net
Band Members: Brent Baldwin, Byrne Rock, Corey Butler, Nina Singh
Influences: Yo la Tengo, JAMC, T-Rex, Big Star, Teenage Fanclub, Nick Drake, The Wedding Present, The Pixies, Ride, Elliott Smith, Todd Rundgren, Trembling Blue Stars, Beat Happening, Left Banke, Love and Rockets
Sounds Like: ...your heart breaking into a million beautiful pieces...
Record Label: Goatchimp Records
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Recording

Hey kids,it's been a couple of months since our last show.  We are not dead - we've merely been on a brief performing hiatus to write the music for our follow-up to this year's e.p. "Stereo Savan...
Posted by THE NORMANS on Tue, 25 Dec 2007 09:59:00 PST

Chronicle review of "Stereo Savant"

A nice review from the often praise-shy Austin Chronicle.  Thanks Doug!Texas Platters BY DOUG FREEMANThe NormansStereo Savant (Brief Planet) Following up their (very) full-length debut...
Posted by THE NORMANS on Tue, 25 Dec 2007 09:43:00 PST

Nice review of "Stereo Savant" in Insite magazine

A very nice review from Insite magazine's July issue - thanks Marsha!THE NORMANS Stereo Savant The latest 5-song EP from Austin quartet, The Normans, is like an aural 50/50 Bar  half of it is drivi...
Posted by THE NORMANS on Tue, 25 Dec 2007 09:31:00 PST

New EP featured on Waterloo Record's "Hear Texas Here"

Waterloo Records will be featuring "Stereo Savant" on their "Hear Texas Here" listening station for the next few weeks, where you can find it on sale for the freakishly-low price of $4.99.  Hope ...
Posted by THE NORMANS on Tue, 01 May 2007 01:13:00 PST

Ode to Nina Singh

In keeping with our Spinal Tap-ish existence, The Normans recently parted ways with our drummer of two years, Patrick Montgomery (fortunately, there were no spontaneous combustion or vomit-choking epi...
Posted by THE NORMANS on Tue, 25 Dec 2007 09:37:00 PST

Tonight's Emo's show recommended by Stateman's Austin360:

"Combining catchy pop melodies and carefully crafted vocal harmonies has made The Normans a steady fixture in the Austin indie scene. Songwriter Brent Baldwin delivers intelligent, sometimes brooding ...
Posted by THE NORMANS on Sun, 18 Feb 2007 11:57:00 PST

Trophy's show

My ears are still ringing from the Trophy's show last night.  Definitely one of the more fun shows we have played in a while, and the crowd that showed up was nothing less than awesome (thanks if...
Posted by THE NORMANS on Fri, 28 Oct 2005 07:45:00 PST

XLent recommends tonight's Trophy's show...

... and you know they are never wrong From today's Austin American Statesman: RECOMMENDED The Normans. As long as there are sensitive young men and women from whom punk-the-sound is just too hars...
Posted by THE NORMANS on Fri, 28 Oct 2005 07:52:00 PST

Flipnotics fun with the Darling New Neighbors

If I've said it once, I'll say it again - I LOVE the Darling New Neighbors!!! They are ever so much fun, and it was a pleasure to play with them once again at good old Flipnotics.  If you haven't...
Posted by THE NORMANS on Fri, 28 Oct 2005 08:16:00 PST

Buffalo Billiards bonkers

Who'd have thunk that a venue with a fratboy poolhall downstairs could be so much fun? Despite a show delay (to set up a PA that had been thoughtlessly taken down by some renters the previous evening)...
Posted by THE NORMANS on Fri, 28 Oct 2005 08:09:00 PST