Tim Denardo, Anthony Lukens, and Sam Sprague have been making music together for over a decade as the Donkeys, and their sound and energy reflect that long friendship. It’s that clear interconnectedness that allows the band to achieve a sound that is simultaneously “SoCal chill” and effortlessly tight.
At just 5 songs, the Donkeys are calling their latest album Midnight Palms a “half-sized document of their singular sound.” After losing longtime guitarist Jesse Gulati, they added Steve Selvidge (the Hold Steady) who’s been playing and touring with the band sporadically over the last few years. “Down The Line” epitomizes this San Diego indie band’s sunny, fun, and laid-back sound, providing the perfect theme song for your summertime road trip.
“Down the Line” appears on Midnight Palms, out now on Easy Sound Recording. The Donkeys are joining us in Studio 1A this afternoon at 3 p.m. and playing tonight at the Sidewinder.
–Taylor Wallace // host, Saturdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; SoundCheck Music News; producer, Eklektikos with John Aielli