From Allmusic.com:

Ester Drang outdid themselves with their previous album, and so it should come as no surprise that the band led by Bryce Chambers forge ahead into some interesting sonic territory, particularly the ambient-cum-disco hue coloring “Come Back Alive” that is a definite, danceable curveball. Think of something David Byrne might be doing if he was still with Talking Heads and it becomes a bit clearer — challenging, a tad “out there,” but nonetheless warm and soothing.

From Spin:

On the band’s third full-length album, Rocinate (out Jan. 24 on Jade Tree), vocalist Bryce Chambers proves himself a quietly stellar leader, a la Grandaddy’s Jason Lytle. Think Elliott Smith’s seriousness (minus the sheer misery), Chris Carrabba’s sincerity (minus the whining), and Imogen Heap’s innovativeness (minus the cool name).

While recording Rocinate, McAlister and Shoop squeezed in a stint as backing musicians on a little record called Illinois. Spending their spare time helping out cult hero Sufjan Stevens? Even smelly Aunt Ester back in Oklahoma would be proud.

Listen: Ester Drang – “Valencia’s Dying Dream” (mp3)

Purchase: Insound

Tourdates

01/26/2006 Seattle, WA United States @ Neumo’s Crystal Ball Reading Room
01/27/2006 Portland, OR United States @ Doug Fir Lounge
01/29/2006 Hollywood, CA United States @ Knitting Factory Hollywood
01/30/2006 San Francisco, CA United States @ Bottom of the Hill
02/28/2006 Atlanta, GA United States @ The Earl
03/01/2006 Chapel Hill, NC United States @ Wetlands
03/03/2006 Philadelphia, PA United States @ The Khyber
03/04/2006 New York, NY United States @ Knitting Factory New York
03/05/2006 Cambridge, MA United States @ T.T. The Bear’s Place
03/08/2006 Chicago, IL United States @ Empty Bottle
03/09/2006 Minneapolis, MN United States @ Triple Rock Social Club
03/11/2006 Norman, OK United States @ The Opolis

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