Feast Of Smoke

***The debut record from Feast of Smoke, the recording project of husband-and-wife duo PAUL and AMBER OLDHAM. Ringing with ghostly blues, midnight rave-ups and down-tempo pop, Feast of Smoke joins Amber’s poetic songwriting with Paul’s experience as a veteran producer (e.g. BONNIE "PRINCE" BILLY, ANOMOANON) in this hauntingly pleasing collection of original songs. Behind the kudzu-covered branches of a gothic exterior, Feast of Smoke offers mesmeric, sometimes darkly comic glimpses into the absurd splendor of life together. From the whispered vocals of opener “Goodbye,” a playful plea for togetherness, to the incantatory sighs of songs like “Moan” and “Haunted,” Paul and Amber’s voices blend and contrast in equal measure. It is a fitting sound for a married couple with a dynamic, propulsive approach to songwriting. Through this “fire and water type of union,” as Paul describes it, the pair produce songs that feel studied yet spontaneous. Sometimes the results are eerie and enigmatic, like the late-night house band at backwoods roadhouse. Features guest appearances from PHIL MANLEY, BRIAN GIRGUS, JEREMY GAGON, NEIL HAGERTY, PATTY SCHEMEL, LARRY SCHEMEL, and GEORGE WETHINGTON.