We have no problem declaring that the only ukulele-driven artist that we’d ignore every open streaming tab and currently-in-the-process-of-editing drafts for is Boston’s own Travels With Brindle (And believe you me, you’d be surprised at the amount of ukulele-centric music we DO get). Being local is definitely a bonus but tbh (That’s “To Be Honest” as the kids say), we can’t get enough of the sounds emanating from Chelsea Spear’s vibrant self who, on upcoming single “Tryouts For The Human Race”, handles vocals, ukulele, finger snaps, and torn paper snare. Yes, kids, “Torn paper snare” as an instrument is a thing.
But anyway! Chances are, you may have heard “Tryouts For The Human Race” previously when done by Sparks but trust us when we say you’ve never heard it done like this! Gone is the glitz and glamor of the big Disco original replaced with Spear’s delicate yet commanding voice surrounded by that aforementioned ukulele with those torn paper snare and finger snaps acting as the percussion on the track that has the haunting quality of early Tom Waits and Primus to an extent without the hokeyness.
If you dig what you’ll hear upon release on September 6th then there’s more in store as Spear’s is tackling the entirety of Sparks’ No. 1 in Heaven for an upcoming Kickstarter campaign launching soon featuring Travels With Brindle’s brand of ukulele (And banjolele) Alterna-Pop transforming the Giorgio Moroder-produced Disco classic which was recorded at the Boston Public Library.
“Tryouts For The Human Race” starts auditions on September 6th. To get in on the Kickstarter campaign the moment it launches, head here to follow. Otherwise, you can find out everything about everything Travels With Brindle, including all social media links and where to stream the new single, when you head here. If you’d like to catch Travels With Brindle live then the month of September has GOT YOU as the night of the release (Again, 9.6) sees TWB performing with Balter Dance at Gilman Park in Somerville followed by a set at Jamaica Plain Music Festival the next day on September 7th (Free and All Ages!) with a September 27th date scheduled at AS220 in Providence with Folk the Empire rounding out the month.