Tom Hamilton is best known as one of the founding members of the highly successful electro-rock band, Brothers Past, an endeavor that infused the song structures of The Grateful Dead into the experimental music of Aphex Twin and Squarepusher (a sort of “Pink Floyd with laptops,” as Hamilton calls it). When the strictures of band life became creatively stifling, Hamilton decided in 2007 to form American Babies. A loosely-organized operation wherein Hamilton is the sole constant member, American Babies have released three sets over the course of six years: their self-titled debut, which won them numerous festival appearances as well supporting gigs with Sheryl Crow, Derek Trucks and The National; a 2010 EP called Weight of the World; and, in 2011, their second long player, Flawed Logic.
Due Oct 15th, Knives & Teeth is the powerful new American Babies album fromThe Royal Potato Family. The 10 songs range from uplifting to heartbreaking as Hamilton considers the secrets of childhood, the impending doubts of adulthood and the weight of strained friendships, all set to a soundtrack with the brashness of The Replacements, the sonic intensity of David Bowie and the acoustic majesty of Led Zeppelin.
When asked to describe his new record, Knives & Teeth, Hamilton’s answer is short and compact but, like his lyrics, is loaded with deeper meaning: “It’s a 40-minute existential breakdown.” The video for the first single “Cold Blooded” can be viewed below.
KNIVES & TEETH Track Listing:
1. When I Build My Fortune
2. Cold Blooded
3. Old Fashioned
4. Bullseye Blues
5. This Thing Ain’t Goin’ Nowheres
6. Goddamn
7. They Sing “Old Time Religion”
8. Running In Place
9. Fire Sale
10. Telephone
AMERICAN BABIES Tour Dates:
September 20 – Lancaster, PA – Binn’s Park Friday Music Series
September 28 – Blue Bell, PA – Montgomery County Community College
September 30 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
October 5 – Phila, PA – River City Fest
October 7 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
October 11 – Red Square – Albany, NY
October 14 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
October 19 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – River Street Jazz Cafe
October 21 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
October 23 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe
October 24 – Columbus, OH – Woodlands
October 25 – Chicago, IL – Tonic Room
October 27 – Des Moines, IA – Gas Lamp
October 30 – Denver, CO – Cervantes’ Other Side
