While Bears in Alaska Are Just a Marketing Ploy, The Old Believers are Not

Unless you're Sufjan Stevens, it's kind of hard to lay a claim to fame for making a noise that so perfectly expresses your locale. While The Old Believers haven't undertaken anything so grandiose as penning an album for each of the 50 states, their debut, I Guess I'm Floating, pretty much sums up the limited experiences I've had in Alaska. What the hell could I possibly mean by this? Well, I'm glad you asked, because I'm bored and feel like telling you.

This young duo originally from the 49th state, now based in Portland, OR, somehow make a big sound in the confines of seemingly empty spaces. If you’ve spent any time up there, you’ll know that it’s a small, but hardy group of people in a whole lot of wide, open country. The Old Believers have captured that essence and put it on wax. Trading off on vocal duties, both Nelson Kempf and Keeley Boyle have full, powerhouse pipes that they belt out over sparse arrangements of drums and limited strings. Incorporating tiny bits of electronica in their intros, adds another ghostly layer to their embracing sound.

Sure, "Granny's Song" may take a thing or two from the melody of 4 Non-Blondes' "What's Going On?," but that doesn't mean these kids deserve any less of your love. It gets freaking cold in Alaska. Spread the warmth.

mp3: Granny's Song