Michael Winningham is a local songwriter who spent time with the Austin indie-pop bands the Glass Family and Gold Beach. His new project Palo Duro expands his scope considerably: the group’s debut album comes out via Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Records, and their debut single is just as worldly. Winningham says he was inspired by the late, great William Onyeabor, an ’80s Nigerian musician who found a new audience a few years ago after his work was reissued by David Byrne’s record label. His pioneering blend of funk and synth-pop seeps into Palo Duro’s “Darken The Glow.” The track sounds locked into Arcade Fire’s recent groove, matching complex beats to a sky-reaching chorus.
“Darken The Glow” appears on Darken The Glow, out later this spring. Palo Duro play the Sidewinder tonight with Marmalakes and Star Parks.
–Art Levy // host, Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., producer, My KUTX
