Artist/Band Spotlight #4: GLACIER HIKING

Hello again friends!

This week's spotlight shines on two handsome fellows by the name of GLACIER HIKING!



MEET THE GUYS:
Ross Golan - Vocals
Tommy Walter - Guitar/MAC laptop/Turntable/etc.

SO WHO ARE GLACIER HIKING?
Both Ross and Tommy have an extensive music background; Ross was the mind behind Ross Golan and Molehead - a politically pop band, while Tommy played bass for The Eels and later released solo work as Abandoned Pools. What keeps these two together is pure, deep-rooted respect for each other.

I first saw Glacier Hiking at The Echo opening for Simon Dawes during their residency last year. I happen to be there a little, so I went to the back to sit down. I was pretty tired and didn't bring a friend, so I wasn't in the best "rock show" mood. The guys started playing and from the first note I had a smile on my face that I just couldn't wipe off. They stood pretty still throughout the set, but there was an amazing video running in the background, and the music...it was up-beat, pure pop, and had more to say than "I love you, you love me." Before I knew it I was standing up to see them better and even dancing a little. When they got to "Shotgun," the song they are probably most known for, Ross told us all to put our hands in the air like we were 12 again and we were psyched to be at a rock show. What happened to getting all excited for a rock show? Why don't people dance and flail their arms like they are having the time of their life? I sure was that night!

Kevin Bronson from the LA Times pretty much nailed Glacier Hiking's sound when he said: "Golan sings and Walter plays guitar and triggers an array of stormy samples, giving the music a gutsy, industrial backdrop. Call it electro-crash synth-rock, glam and emo-punk with the wires all crossed, and Golan alternating between playful, wiseacre banter and big choruses."

Ross and Tommy have been very careful about signing to a label, and after much thought have just signed with Lionsgate. They have just finished recording an album in New York and are playing one last show on Tuesday, April 8 at the The Roxy upstairs, On The Rox (9:15pm, $10 21+, $15 under 21).

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
Glacier Hiking, Interviewed by Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips) at SXSW 2007


"Moving Backwards" LIVE at The Key Club


WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE GLACIER HIKING:
***Two guys have never made such complete-sounding music live
***Every song makes you want to bust a move!
***If you want to go see a GREAT show that you won't forget and mix up with a million other shows...go see these guys on April 8!


Thanks!
Julia