LISTEN: Christopher Owens ‘Lysandre’s Theme/Here We Go

Earlier this year, I’m sure that every Girls fan was in a state of shock, terror and outcry when frontman CHRISTOPHER OWENS announced the disbandment of the harmonious duo.

Although this was just horrible news for anyone to have to hear, he did mention that it wasn’t the end of the road for his musical career. And hey, point proven as he has announced the release of his highly-anticipated solo release titled Lysandre. An album written from start to finish entirely by Owens, Lysandre was named after a French lady that Owens met and fell in love with during a festival performance. Not only this, but it was inspired by the first ever Girls tour in the American Summer of 2008.

Owens explains the record as a “coming of age story, a road trip story, a love story.” Also not to be mistaken for just a plain old love affair, Owens wants you to dig deeper than that. And now you have a chance to as the first single [with a short preamble] has been released from the former Girls frontman’s debut titled ‘LYSANDRE’S THEME/HERE WE GO‘.

Opening with this short instrumental, ‘Lysandre’s Theme’ sounds as though it belongs in the depths of a forest during medieval times. Or perhaps in the back of Peter Pan’s mind. Either way, either way’s fine. After the flute and acoustic guitar have discontinued singing together, your bones turn to jelly just listening to Owens‘ voice again. Oh Chris, it has been a while.. He is later accompanied by a lady during this fluffy, delicate tune.

Although the solo record is proving promising, you can’t help but feel that overheated rush of nostalgia circulating your brain of how we once knew Owens. Needless to say, this track is very deserving of your attention and is quite adorable regardless of the overpowering love you may have for Girls.

Owens has also made ‘Here We Go’ available as it’s own individual track.

Recorded with former Girls producer, Doug Bohem, Lysandre will be available as of 14th January of next year through Fat Possom and Turnstile music.

Published on Purple Sneakers.

LISTEN: GIRLS ‘FORGIVENESS’ (LIVE ON WNYU)

“This may come as a surprise to many & has been an issue of much thought for me. My decision was not easy to make. I am leaving Girls. My reasons at this time are personal. I need to do this in order to progress. I will continue to write & record music. More will be announced soon. I thank you all for everything.”

I think it’s safe to say that every follower of Christopher Owens’ personal Twitter account had their heart broken when they scrolled down their home page on 2^nd July 2012. The broken tweet (stated above) was difficult to read with the knowledge that indie-rock duo GIRLS would be no more. As a send-off to the disbandment, the outfit’s label True Panther Sounds expressed their condolences and gratitude for the band on their website, explaining the faith GIRLS had put into the label and how important they were musically to the members of the label. To conclude, True Panther uploaded an unreleased version of ‘Forgiveness’ that was recorded as a part of the band’s set for WNYU’s The New Afternoon Show that they played all the way back in 2008. Although the track can be found as an extended eight minute song on Father, Son, Holy Ghost, it was this particular version that really spoke to Dean Bein of True Panther Sounds.

This part of the set was a special moment for all involved as the previously unheard track was opened with Owens exclaiming, “We started talking about how cool it would be to play a show with just the two of us and that’s where it all started.” It was at this point in the band’s life where things were really starting to take off. They were on their first New York City trip, had just released ‘Lust For Life’/’Morning Light’ 7” and had played this acoustic, improvised session for the New York University’s radio station.

The recording is quite an emotive display of Chris Owens’ and JR’s songwriting and performance. It features an acoustic guitar, a tambourine and Owens’ voice trembling as he showers his audience with such heartfelt expression. It’s the kind of song you want to listen to alone with candles lit and incense burning as it’s something to be enjoyed between the band and a sole listener.

Listen to the honest, stripped-back version of ‘Forgiveness’ below.

 

Published on Purple Sneakers.