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closeWednesday, Nov. 04, 2009
The dish on Ishi, Dallas-based folk-tronic quartet
The Dallas-based folk-tronic quartet wants people to be who they are
By Rhett Breon Smith
What happens when you combine the lush acoustic melodies of Simon & Garfunkel with the heart-thumping beats of Daft Punk? Ishi. This Dallas-based quartet delivers a fresh and unique perspective in the folk-tronic soundscape. After seeing the group live, it’s easy to see why it has created quite a local buzz.
Ishi was formed in winter 2007 by John T. Mudd, the frontman of ex-indie-rock outfits Henry Holt and Soft Environmental Collapse, and Brad Dale, a Dallas-based electronic producer and DJ who goes by "Molecule." The minimalist, melodic guitar and soothing vocals of Mudd together with the multi-instrumentalist talents and contagious beats of Dale set the foundation of this organic fusion of sound.
After months of recording, the musicians decided to expand their project. The first addition was female vocalist Taylor Rea, formerly of Dallas rock group the Kul. Soon after, Mudd’s younger brother and former bandmate, J.J. Mudd, joined as the new drummer.
Experiencing Ishi live is more than your average local show — it’s a euphoric spectacle. Whether it is the intense sexual chemistry between vocalists John T. Mudd and Taylor Rea or the mind-controlling voice of Dale’s vocoder, you can expect a dynamic energy on stage.
"The goal of our music is to create a positive atmosphere to allow people to be who they are," John T. Mudd says. Songs titles like Shake Your Dandelion and infectious lyrics like "Step into my world, and I will satisfy you" give a glimpse of the sensual overtones that make Ishi’s music so appealing.
Ishi is in the final stages of its much-anticipated debut full-length record, Through the Trees, produced, recorded and engineered by Dale and John T. Mudd. The record is due out in spring 2010. In the meantime, you can catch this developing local talent at several upcoming shows. For music lovers seeking a new and refreshing sound, look no further.
Sunday at The Cavern, Dallas, with SSION and Fizzy Dino Pop; doors at 6 p.m., 21+, $10
Nov. 19 at Trees, Dallas, Local Edge event with the Burning Hotels; 18+
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