Party of the Sun share Goldenwood EP, a sonic ode to the past - (6/26/20)

Party of the Sun, Goldenwood

Party of the Sun, Goldenwood

Party of the Sun releases their latest EP ‘Goldenwood’ available June 26 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Since their inception, psychedelic-folk duo Party of the Sun has released a 5-song EP Lay Low, a full-length album Trekker, and a handful of singles. Writing and recording primarily at a sheep farm in rural New Hampshire, the band has seen successes with landing their songs in noteworthy television shows (Deputy on Fox and Charmed on The CW). Their sound weaves in and out of indie-folk, psychedelic, and traditional Americana, but the glue that holds it all together is singer Ethan McBrien’s delicate croon and multi-instrumentalist Rory Hurley’s warm and balanced approach.

Today, Party of the Sun returns with their new EP “Goldenwood”, a welcome addition to their established brand of charming and heartfelt folk. “This collection comes from our writing and producing effort between fall 2017 and spring 2019” explains McBrien. “It is dedicated to our friends and family with whom it’s essence resides.” Though written amidst consistent output, these songs are far from being b-sides. Including the previously released “Song for You” and “Ball of Time”, the EP is cohesive and fully realized, showcasing the strength of McBrien’s songwriting and Hurley’s musicianship.

During this same period, the band went out touring their songs, in the process realizing ways they could improve their live performance. As McBrien explains: ”After going out and touring Lay Low, I wanted to add material to the repertoire that would give the live show more dynamic. What we hear on Goldenwood are the fruits of an exercise in growth. On the Lay Low tour, McBrien spent some reading “One Straw Revolution” by Masanobu Fukuoka. For those who are unfamiliar, Fukuoka’s book is described as both an introduction to natural farming as well as a spiritual memoir of a man whose innovative system of cultivating the earth reflects a deep faith in the wholeness and balance of the natural world. “When we revisited the songs this winter, I was thinking about how absorbing knowledge like [“One Straw Revolution”] takes a lifetime,” says McBrien.

Described as “narratives about the living past,” the Goldenwood EP evokes scenic moments of sun-filled farmland, moonlit rainfall, and country roads, all while feeling beautifully intimate and personal.

“Goldenwood” is out June 26th via Trailing Twelve and 100% of all Bandcamp digital proceeds will be donated to Black Mamas Matter Alliance (blackmamasmatter.org).

Take a listen to the title track below.

Goldenwood EP Tracklist:

1. Song For You
2. 79
3. Goldenwood
4. Remember What It Means
5. Ball of Time

Artwork By Nyiko Beguin
Press Photos by Ben Conant
Press Contact: trailingtwelve@gmail.com

TTR009
© & ℗ 2020 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

PARTY OF THE SUN - Goldenwood EP
TTR-009
Released 26 June 2020
Length: 18:34

BIO

Party of the Sun is a folk and psychedelic band from New Hampshire, led by songwriter Ethan McBrien and producer/multi-instrumentalist Rory Hurley. 

Since 2006, both McBrien and Hurley have recorded and performed together in various projects. Throughout his career, McBrien has always had an interest in folk music; writing many songs influenced by the Americana tradition. In the fall of 2015, McBrien and Hurley began recording this material. These collaborative sessions at McBrien’s home - a small sheep farm in Marlborough, NH - were the impetus of what has become Party of the Sun.

Lay Low, their debut EP was released in the autumn of 2017 via LA-based independent label Trailing Twelve Records. Two years later, after a series of singles, the band released their debut LP, “Trekker.” 

Party of the Sun has been featured in television shows such as Deputy on Fox and Charmed on The CW. They have shared the stage with acts including William Tyler, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Footings, The Weight Band, and more.