Robotanists: BeatCrave Fav

It’d almost be unfair to pin the Robotanists to a specific sound and type; separate words would actually be more succinct a description – for instance, mesmerizing, hypnotic, engaging would be much more accurate than ‘rock’, ‘alternative’, or ‘ambient/modern/etc.’. General classifications are not the stuff that The Robotanists are made of. Outside of the Los Angeles-based band’s ability to escape the Dymo labeler, we love the feel of a local band that you can possibly coerce into grabbing a beer with after a show, just as much as we enjoy being taken out of our element without the assistance of booze (but only sometimes; we work hard, okay?).

Their seven-track EP, Close Down the Woods, is like listening to a raw recording in an abandoned warehouse on Alameda or an art gallery off of Spring Street, while their sound overall is of a familiar longing and questioning that doesn’t fade along life’s journey, no matter how many speedbumps are uncomfortably run over. The Robatanists are just really good.

We like them, and we think you’ll like them too – and should you happen to as much as we do, be sure to vote for them in Friday’s poll!

• Pick of the Day: Robotanists
• Type: Alternative/Indie
• Label: Overheard Records
• Band Members: Sarah Ellquist (vocals), Daniel de Blanke (guitar), Preston Scott Phillips (drums, percussion), Keith Boyarsky (bass)
• Album: Close Down the Woods (2008)
• Videos:

“Close Down the Woods”

“Wait a Minute Here”

“All You Ever Wanted” (Black Keys cover)

Upcoming Shows

• 4/29 Is Good Radio, 1:00 pm EST/4:00 pm PST (listen here)
• 6/17 Echo Curio – Los Angeles, CA

More Info:

• Robotanists’ Official Website
• Robotanists’ MySpace
• Robotanists on YouTube

Check out past BeatCrave Favs!

This week’s BeatCrave Fav includes:

• Diablo Swing Orchestra

*** Remember to vote in Friday’s BeatCrave Fav poll for your favorite artist!

Photo by Robotanists