Asthmaboy

Asthmaboy - Review
In a world crowded with frenetic rock bands, Asthmaboy is a breath of fresh air. Asthmaboy As Asthmaboy, Glindon Marten and John Boone share a musical sensibility with the likes of Iron & Wine and Sufjan Stevens -- the kind of reflective folk that has quietly taken over the indie music easy chair like a sleeping cat. Glin writes the words and sings. The rest of the parts -- from banjo and bells, to piano and glockenspiel -- could have originated from either of the duo at one point. Over time, these friends have collaberated on a colllection of songs as poignant as the lyrics of Ben Gibbard and as beautiful and patient as the music of Sigur Ros. Their debut, Later Days, was released in June 2007. Later Days Long before Radiohead let fans name their price on In Rainbows, Asthmaboy was giving away this album for nothing on their web site. Since then, thousands of fans worldwide have taken sanctuary in the beauty and honesty of Later Days. Note: This is not some arena band tossing complimentary scraps to the hungry. In fact, Asthmaboy have never taken to the stage, and are not interested in live shows. You'll completely understand this reluctance when listening to Later Days.

Like Nick Drake thirty-five years ago, Asthmaboy's music is extraordinarily personal, even for the most intimate of public settings. "EraseHer" and "Do The Math," in particular, are too gut-wrenching for eye contact. Aside from the crowd sounds of "Russian Song" and "An Abbreviation" -- the only track with drums -- Later Days is perfectly set for your bedroom -- because, well, it sounds as if it were being played for you, right next to you. To know what I mean, you only need to hear Glin sniffle during the middle of the title track. He could've easily taken that out, but when you think about it, it belongs there as much a floor creak or a missed note -- and that naturalness is refreshing.

Recorded in Glin's bedroom and kitchen in Bellingham, WA, Later Days was released on the first day of summer in 2007. It remains my favorite album of last year.

-- Ian Shuler