Blind Pilot Changed the Way I See the World

As a music junkie, ever so often I come across a band that changes the way I see the world. Blind Pilot is one of those bands.

Blind Pilot is an Indie Folk band from Portland, Oregon, whose minimalist and wistful sound is supported by their romantic indie roots and reflective lyrics. When listening to them I literally have to fight the urge to stop everything, drop to the ground and fully engross myself in their sound.

Blind Pilot has the beginnings of a perfect indie story. Initial members, singer-guitarist Israel Nebeker and drummer Ryan Dobrowski, spent their summer after college in Newquay, England; busking by playing acoustic guitar and a makeshift percussion kit made from a sketchpad and a pencil tin. Back in the States a few years later, they took up residence in an old cannery in a fishing town outside Astoria, Oregon (featured in the Go On, Say It music video). With the Pacific Ocean as their soundtrack, Blind Pilot recorded their freshman album, 3 Rounds and a Sound.

Deciding to tour in a less conventional method, they traveled the West Coast on bicycles, without a map or confirmed gigs;  towing their instruments in custom made bicycle trailers. They made it from Vancouver to San Francisco, when their bikes were stolen and they had to return home. In 2008 Nebeker and Dobrowski tried again, bringing new members Kati Claborn, banjo and dulcimer player, and Luke Ydstie, upright bass player, along for the ride. They made it to San Diego that time. For their national tour they forwent the bicycles and brought vibraphone player Ian Krist with them.

After a 2009 European tour with the Counting Crows and The Hold Steady they returned to the U.S. to tour with The Decemberists, who are major players in the American Indie music scene. Their single Go On, Say It was made iTunes song of the week on August 8th, 2009. The song of same name as their debut album, 3 Rounds and a Sound, was featured on this past season of Californication, which is where I found the band.

Their poetic lyrics are accompanied by acoustic guitars, soft drums and droning instruments such as the violin or accordion. Musically, Blind Pilot uses the standard ABAB, or Verse Chorus Verse Chorus, writing form. Sometimes the band slows down their choruses to add a relaxing atmosphere and contrast the driving verse. Most of Blind Pilot's songs are sorrowful and the lyrics tend to reflect this atmosphere. My favourite lyric is “I was awkward and I could not hear/Your body through my body's fear.” Simple and pure; conveying emotion through catchy hooks and sincere statements.

Their sound has been compared to bands such as Iron and Wine, Death Cab for Cutie, The Shins and Bright Eyes; all of whom I highly recommend. Their gentle songs have a simple quality that captivates listeners. Your life may not be changed by this Indie Folk group, but I guarantee you will enjoy them.

Photos and information from http://www.myspace.com/blindpilot and http://blindpilotmusic.wordpress.com/