The roots of East Cameron Folkcore run deep. I would go so far as to say that at the very heart of the band resides a strong spirit that will burn brightly so long as the music lives on. And that is the intention.
Named after a Northeast Austin neighborhood, EFC was started by guitarist and vocalist Jesse Moore after the untimely passing of longtime friend and Bankrupt and The Borrowers band mate John Pettis in 2009. The loss was devastating, but Moore was determined to keep the memory of Pettis alive. He finished the songs they’d been working on together, then recorded and released them on the critically-acclaimed Sound and Fury (2011), a grand tribute done in the style of a Greek tragedy, but sorrow would not be the focal point. It was immediately understood that the band would carry on the memory by keeping it real. Translation: Loud, rowdy and larger than life. Even their follow-up, The Sun Also Rises, was on fire with their no-holds-barred attitude.
That’s probably why the ECF live experience is so overwhelmingly enjoyable. We’re talking a grand total of eleven people on stage singing and playing together as if it were the last night on earth. Perhaps it should always be like this. That’s the sort of vibe you get from this riotous folk-punk orchestra – a description that nails it right on the head. Play it like you mean it, heart and soul, full volume, and don’t hold back. Take no prisoners. This is, after all, a celebration.
The much-anticipated new ECF album, For Sale, has already received high praises and national exposure, including a premiere of the phenomenal, emotionally-charged “Salinger’s Dead” on MTV Hive last year. And of course, an official release would not be complete without a full-on multi-media release show extravaganza. Make plans to join East Cameron Folkcore for new music and raucous good times tonight at the Austin Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. Also on the bill are bluegrass bandits Mockingbird Loyals and songwriter Konrad Wert‘s one-man roots fury Possessed By Paul James.
This one’s for the books. Doors open at 8 p.m. Highly recommended.
