Oct 19, 2009

Listen to this track

Forget 'World's Greatest Dad,' you need a coffee mug that says 'World's Greatest Ghosts.' That's the name of the Portland, Ore. geek-rock group that revolves around the songwriting core of brothers, Jesse and Casey Laney. WGG started in the brothers' hometown of Nashville around 2004 but and added Jesse’s college sweetheart, bassist Emily Onstott (now his wife). They quickly added Tuscaloosa, AL native/guitarist Brandon Anderson and recently, Alaskan drummer Eric Ambrosius (who took over for original stick man, John Damiani).

I have on good authority that the capable Northwest unit are "D&D heads," which isn't surprising considering the subject matter of their songs. Lyrics range from magical elixirs (“Potions”), weak enchantment spells (“Magick Words”) and Monster Manual-worthy creatures (“Mazes & Monsters). That fantastical inspiration continues on the leadoff track for the band's debut, No Magic. The Sunset Rubdown-esque cut—entitled "Phantastes"—coils labyrinthine keyboards, synths and a circular guitar riff around a rushing drum kit. Then the fivesome shoots it all skyward with some NES-like bravado.

WGG's debut album, No Magic, was recorded this past spring and will ably soundtrack your next fight against harpies and sand dragons on November 10th (on Lucky Madison) Roll a d20 and two d10! OK, enough dorky references...

The geeky fivesome's got two Northwest dates in support of their forhcoming release. Check those out below.

World's Greatest Tour:

11-04 Portland, OR - Holocene (No Magic Release Party)
12-03 Tacoma, WA - New Frontier Lounge #

# w/ Blue Horns and The Nightgowns