When I went to see Ezra Furman & The Harpoons last semester here at High Dive, I had never heard of their opening act The Apache Relay. This was my fourth or fifth time seeing Ezra, he’s a local favorite where I’m from, but this was my first time hearing anything from Apache and I was absolutely floored. I went home with a copy of their debut album, which had just been released that week, and I still listen to it regularly to this day. The album opens with “Can’t Wake Up”, and if you’re not floored instantaneously by the vocals you must not have a pulse. I’d describe their music first and foremost as powerful; their musicianship for a band new to the scene is beyond admirable. Their sound can be described as folk, with elements of bluegrass and some plain ole indie rock thrown in for good measure. They sound eerily familiar yet fresh at the same time.
My personal favorite track on the album is a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “State Trooper”, which has never sounded more full and vibrant. “Set Me Free” and “Lost Kid” are both worth a mention, too; these songs just beg to be sung along to. With its inclusion in this article, it’s to be expected that the whole album is flawless and this is true; there’s not one track I would skip here, and that’s really the only criteria I have when choosing an album of the week. Since releasing the album last April, they’ve toured with Ezra, River City Extension, Trampled by Turtles, and even got to play along with Mumford & Sons at this year’s Bonnaroo. Expect to see a lot more of these guys on the indie circuit over the next few years, and be sure to check out the album as soon as possible!
