Tommy Eisner and Linda Beecroft spent the summer of 2007 in the hottest part of California. The desert has been a muse for many musicians to write some of their best work, and for Brooklyn’s Golden Animals, it has conjured the ghost of the Lizard King himself to inspire their debut record, Free Your Mind. This is in great contrast to the duo’s 2006 Do The Roar! EP, which was more like the Devendra Banhart meets The Beatles take on neo-folk than the bigger, more dynamic sound that they have now. Eisner and Beecroft are the perfect cure for those with the “I wish I was in the ’60’s” blues as it combines all the necessities from their psychedelic forefathers with a few twists from the New York art rock era.

“The Steady Roller”, off their 2007 debut full length, is a full throttle ’60’s blues rock anthem that you can’t help but twist your arms in the air too. Just listen and imagine an oil lamp projection behind the band playing. Eisner’s vocals are spot on for the part, deep and in charge, with Beecroft providing the harmonies and supporting percussion. Earlier tracks, such as “Big Red Rose” from their 2006 release, sees Eisner lightening up a bit with notes that draw a closer resemblance to McCartney with stripped down electric guitars to match the same pop style construction.

It is amazing to hear how geography can influence the creative mind in a musician. This time around it has transformed the band’s sound, showing us just how dynamic they can be. With a tour kicking off after the holiday, it will be even more exciting to see what material comes out of it. In the mean time, pick up the records and hear for yourself what is golden about these animals.

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Golden Animals Tour Dates
11/28 – Prescott, Arizona @ The Raven Cafe
11/30 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma @ The Conservatory
12/01 – Denton, Texas @ Rubber Gloves
12/02 – Austin, Texas @ Beerland
12/03 – New Orleans, Louisiana @ Circle Bar
12/04 – Nashville, Tennessee @ Grimey’s (Instore)
12/04 – Nashville, Tennessee @ The Exit In
12/05 – Atlanta, Georgia @ The Star Bar
12/06 – Atlanta, Georgia @ Criminal Records (Instore)
12/06 – Athens, Georgia @ Caledonia Lounge
12/08 – Cincinnati, Ohio @ WOXY – Lounge Acts
12/08 – Cincinnati, Ohio @ Gypsy Hut
12/10 – Manhattan, New York @ The Cake Shop (All Ages!!)
12/11 – Brooklyn, New York @ Don Pedro
12/13 – Detroit, Michigan @ Corktown Tavern
12/14 – Pleasant Valley, Indiana @ Daytrotter Session
12/14 – Chicago, Illinois @ The Abbey Pub
12/15 – Saint Paul, Minnesota @ The Turf Club
12/16 – Kansas City, Kansas @ The Record Bar
12/17 – Lawrence, Kansas @ Replay Lounge
12/18 – Denver, Colorado @ The Larimer Lounge
12/21 – Seattle, Washington @ The Comet
12/22 – Portland, Oregon @ East End