The year 1989 saw the founding of the band Pavement. Most people probably first think of Stephen Malkmus when thinking of Pavement, but from the beginning, Scott Kannberg (also known as Spiral Stairs) has been the other half of the coin.
Other than a brief Pavement reunion stint in 2010, we haven’t seen much of Spiral Stairs since his debut solo album, The Real Feel, which came out in 2009.
Just a few months ago, however, that changed, with the release of his second album, Doris & the Daggers.
Kannberg returns with an evolved and much more relaxed approach than anything in his past. Typically, as musicians get older, their material changes. In many cases, that’s not a good thing. But in this case, Kannberg definitely used his mild hiatus to put together an easygoing bunch of songs that tell the story of middle-age.
Song subjects on the album include:
- Children
- Divorce
- Golf
Need I say more?
Middle-age brings on many questions. Being in a prevalent 90’s noise rock band does as well. These are the types of things that bring on great reflection, and it’s clear that Kannberg is doing that now more than ever.
In recounting these events (children, divorce, golf) Kannberg is clearly trying to find his own voice. He’s trying to find his non-Pavement voice within the music industry, but is also trying to find his own voice in life, and in middle-age.
With aging comes evolution, and Spiral Stairs‘ latest album is definitely proof of that. Angst leaves, and leisure sets in. The years pass by and the music eases.
The best part? With a new album comes touring! Spiral Stairs is currently touring around the world, with many North American dates in the near future.
One upcoming date to look forward to:
Friday, June 16th
Club Dada
2720 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75226
Go out tonight, and any night. Jukely is a concert subscription that gives members guestlist access to hundreds of music events – for one price. Whenever you want to go out, you’ll always have something to do. Learn more and sign up at jukely.com.
