Low Life, Secret Knives

Old 

       The Low Life - Four Walls off their 2003 album Thixotropic

These guys were a band from the D.C. area but they have since broken up. I'm not sure if it was due to creative differences or lack of making money, but I've always felt somewhat responsible. I got introduced to them while I was in high school when I got their original EP from one of my friends who was on their street team. Then, one day while walking around campus at college during my freshman year, this guy walked up to me and said "Hey, you want this CD? These guys are playing tonight." So I snagged it and it happened to be The Low Life, Thixotropic. I already knew I liked them, so I probably would have bought the album if they didn't just give it to me. That night I dragged two of my friends to the free show. There were only 40-50 people there, and it was obvious that the majority of them had no idea who the band was, but it was fun. So, at that point I'd gotten two free CD's and a free concert. I know they got paid for the gig and I did buy a t-shirt, but somehow I've always thought, "maybe if I'd just bought their music they'd still be together." "Four Walls" is the last song on the album and it's more mellow than the rest. Check it out, and because I think I owe them, here's a link to the lead singer's new web page http://www.evanbliss.com/ He's making music on his own now.

New

       Secret Knives - The Garden, off of their 2010 album Affection

The Secret Knives are from Wellington, New Zealand, and it's another band I discovered from indierockcafe.com. I know nothing about them and I have no New Zealand stories, but I was intrigued by their sound. It's a mix of electronic and alternative rock. I listened to their album (available here) and it's one of those that you can get lost in, but in a good way. I'm not sold yet on the whole deal, but "The Garden" is a good start.