Music Is Dying Now: Charalambides

25 июн. 2012 г.

Charalambides is a musical group originally from Houston, Texas, USA and lately of Austin, Texas. Formed in 1991 (under the short-lived name Mutual Admiration Society) by Tom Carter, Christina Carter and Kyle Silfer, they have followed in the footsteps of other Texas psychedelic music artists such as the 13th Floor Elevators, Red Crayola, and Jandek. Later members include Jason Bill and Heather Leigh Murray.

Their name is pronounced "ha-ra-lam-bee-deez". It roots from Greek language and means like "happiness-sprayer". The name of the band derives from the surname of a customer at the record shop where Tom and Christina Carter met.

Their music contains elements typical of psychedelic music such as reverb, extended instrumental jamming and the use of found sounds. Their sound is closely linked to music labelled as New Weird America, although they existed before this term came into use.

In addition to several major releases on labels such as Kranky, Eclipse Records, and Time-Lag Records, they have also released many small edition CD-Rs on their own Wholly-Other label, and other small independent labels. Some of which have later been re-issued (Our Bed is Green, and Historic Sixth Ward for example).

Core members Tom Carter and Christina Carter are divorced but remain together as a musical unit. They have also recorded in their own right, releasing albums on Kranky and Eclipse Records, as well as several small edition CD-Rs. In addition the two have collaborated with numerous kindred spirits such as Loren Mazzacane Connors, Yellow Swans and Robert Horton.