The Upstairs Divine
Self-Titled E.P

Indie: October, 2007
Genre: Folk/Indie
Rating: 4/5

Site: www.myspace.com/theupstairsdivine  
 

The Upstairs Divine, forming in 2004, progressed at their own pace, and quickly found their innovative and trademark style. What started off as a musical experience in the footsteps of their influences quickly became an adventure in unique sounds and songwriting. The group has developed a growing fan base in their hometown of Ruston, Louisiana (a former home to the legendary Neutral Milk Hotel), which has since spread to the surrounding states. Covering the south and having played with many local and national indie acts (Cool Hand Luke, The Polyphonic Spree, Colour Revolt, Discover America, Gazelles, The Wedding, The New Frontiers, Manchester Orchestra) The band has garnered national attention having been selected to play the Cornerstone Festival New Artist Showcase in 2006.

Several months ago I got a phone call from a venue where I ran a college ministry and they asked if I wanted a band to play.  I said sure, why not. I had no clue who the band was and started calling people on our phone list to let them know the change that night. What I saw and heard was raw, emotional and real.  It was so cool to see a band just being themselves on stage and to let out that much emotion doing what they love. It was relaxing and inspirational. I asked what label they were on and they explained they weren't and I knew I had a rule about not reviewing indie bands because well, typically the recording and quality sucks. They explained it was recorded at Rosewood Studios.  I decided to take a listen.

What I heard was exactly what I heard live.  The Upstairs Divine perfectly melted their style into the recording. It is the same raw, emotional folk/indie music I heard that night. It is an E.P so that is the only reason I didn't give this gem a 5/5. The band has a unique style that is all their own. The vocals have a perfect blend of male and female singing. The songs are melodic in nature but lift your soul higher as you will find yourself falling into the music.