Hometown Sounds

Sam McCormally and Will McKinley-Ward’s experimental rock group Fellow Creatures apply dreamlike qualities drawn from their musical collaboration into their newest music video. “Wouldn’t You Like To Know”, directed by the band, creates a moody, non-literal interpretation of a frightening event that occurred on a tour stop in Cincinnati. You can hear Sam and Will recount the tale of “party jail” on this episode of the ChunkyGlasses podcast, including their entire origin story as metamorphosis from the well-loved folk rock band Ugly Purple Sweater and reflections on our city’s music scene. Their debut full length self-titled album is $7 on Bandcamp, and the only better use of your hard earned money is to pay the door guy at U Street’s Tropicalia to let you into tonight’s party celebrating its release.

I’m quite enjoying watching the slow build of Fellow Creatures. The core duo of Sam McCormally and Will McKinley-Ward reconfigured the sound from their well-loved previous incarnation Ugly Purple Sweater, incorporating indie folk elements with more interesting electronic experimentation. Their live show really reflects this, with big bombastic foot stomping numbers and quieter harmonies providing a welcome dynamic together. Today’s video for the unreleased single “Come Ye” is a very well-shot live take in the basement of BicycleSPACE, “perhaps the world’s greatest bike shop”, directed by Ellie Walton. Keep your eyes peeled for more local Fellow Creatures live dates, but don’t miss Sam opening an excellent local bill at Gypsy Sally’s on Saturday night, featuring Letitia Van Sant & The Bonafides and headliners The Riverbreaks!