The SLUG review of the record (January 2011)

The American Shakes = Norfolk and Western + Howe Gelb + Band of Annuals

Releasing an album in the wake of such a popular local band is going to invite some comparisons to the latter’s work. Brent Dreiling, former pedal steel/steel guitar slinger for Band of Annuals (R.I.P), expands on the classic Americana of B.O.A by steering his alt-country intonations into sugary, ‘70s AM radio hits instead of the dive bar balladeering of his previous band. Dreiling’s execution is classically understated. Relying heavily on strong composition and atmospherics, Dreiling uses these to reach the emotional climax his limited voice cannot. The musical adornments are so well integrated that it takes a couple of listens to realize just how carefully constructed and crafted each song is. Responsible for this is a virtual who’s-who of SLC folk musicians who lend their hands to the creation of this album. Several B.O.A alumni—Jesse Ellis, David Williams and Wren Kennedy all appear accompanying Dreiling’s forlorn steel guitar. –Ryan Hall

American shakes 1/19/2011

We are playing the 19th @ Urban with Dead Winter Carpenters and Samuel Smith Band, come out and come early, we go on first.

Last minute show added

We will be playing at the State Room with The Romany Rye (LA, Little Rock, Nashville...) and The Moondoggies (Seattle) this Tuesday at 7:00. 638 South State Street

Thanks to everyone that came out to Slowtrain for the release show, we all had a great time. It's always good to see so many friends in one place. I hope we can do it again soon.

kind words from Salt Lake City Weekly:

"Begin is the debut album by The American Shakes, a side-project of sorts for Band of Annuals’ Brent Dreiling, who wrote the vast majority of the 11 nuggets of gorgeous folk-rock found here. Although, I’m not sure you can call it a side-project when so many familiar faces took part in its birth, from a passel of Dreilings’ fellow Annuals to David Williams and Casey Prestwood. Regardless, these songs written throughout 2009 while Dreiling was spending “way more time in Salt Lake City than I had been used to,” and recorded through 2010 are finally seeing the light of day, and they were well worth the wait."

warm up show in Ogden

We will be playing Friday Oct 29th @ The Basement (329 E. 24th Street) in Ogden. Sweatband, Matt Ben Jackson, Lady Hue, and Darlin' Broads will also be playing, $7 at the door, 7:00 pm.

Release show 11-07-10

The band will be playing November 7th @ Slowtrain, with Jay William Henderson. I will be joined by Jake, Cameron, Jamie and Kris, mark your calendar and we will see you then!

The vinyl shipment came in today and we will be ready to mail this weekend, and for Salt Lakers, Slowtrain will have copies for sale in the next few days. Below is a teaser video, enjoy!

Also, check out the Bandcamp site