Speaking of unknown local bands, I co-hosted the Young and the Restless with Chris Travis last night, and not only did the Heavy Hearts play live in the studio (and it sounded fantastic), but Mr. Travis, who’s always listening to any local band he can get his hands on, also introduced me to Seattle group I’d never heard: Lake of Falcons.

I’m not going to tell you they’ll change you’re life, but they are good. They’re driving like Fugazi, but it also gets a little Shellac-y (appropriate, as they cite both bands as influences). Even with an edge it’s still catchy, though, mostly due to rough but melodic vocals. And call me nuts, but I’m hearing a little Dramarama sneaking in there at times too (think “Anything, Anything,” though, not “Femme Fatale”).

A little investigation showed that Punk Planet also likes ‘em, an issue last fall said this:

On the heels of their debut 7”, Lake of Falcons have put out their first full length. Coming out of Seattle this trio bursts out some powerful songs, drawing on Fugazi as an obvious influence although with bit more mass by a touch of metal, as with the choppy, power-punches and chants of “Shiftlock Overdrive.” They also slow down a touch with songs that have a more indie rock song structure, like “Pushpins” or “Iris Pattern.” The short instrumental bits like “Footfalls” break up the album in a good way. The often-hoarse vocals of the harder tracks have a caustic intensity that let you know they are serious about this. The other vocalist is clearer, adding a good contrast, and some pieces showcase dual vocals, as does the first son, “Panopticon.” It’s the range of this album that is its strong point: explosive fusillades and more intricate even-paced pieces. In fact, they’re at their best at the extremes, whether hard or slow. In between, they have a lot of tracks that are fine but not standouts for the genre - - it’s the overall variability that gives them an edge. They’ve produced an impressive debut and it sounds like the live setting is the way to properly hear these pieces. -Bill Angelbeck

So if you’re interested, click on a song title below to hear tracks from last year’s self-released EP:
Pretty Little Knife
Firing on a White Flag
Stone Steps

And you can hear a couple more songs at their Stranger Bands Page.

They’re playing January 20th at the Monkey Pub.