RTB2 | When Hammer Hits Stone | Video

Today the Observer posted one of our favorite songs from last year, RTB2's "When Hammer Hits Stone." The video servers as a visual queue to the bands lo-fi roots as it, well, is pretty lo-fi.

Not only did the Denton duo release a vidie for this rockin' ditty (see what I did there?), but also came news of the bands latest release, a live album titled In People out later this month.

Ryan Thomas Becker Neighborhoof

Ryan Thomas Becker is better known around these parts as the frontman/geetarist for Denton's RTB2. But, Ryan is releasing his latest solo album that has him keenly treading the line between sensitive singer-songwriter and full-on rock master.

Don't look for any John Mayer type ballads to make the girls weep, it's not that kind of singer-songwriter album. He deftly moves around the spectrum of with a slowed down, rocked up lo-fi sound that would make Gorilla vs. Bear jizz his pants.

It's kinda criminal that "Seek Fire, Anime Kids" is not even two minutes long as it starts Neighborhoof off with a vibe you are use to hearing with RTB2. But, that seems to be where any comparisons to his other band can stop until the middle of the record. Which is probably good, since I doubt he set out to make a solo record that sounds like his other band.

The rest of the album flows with songs like "Whistle" that goes through country-blues, "Premaries" the sensitive duet and "Where Your Father Didn't Go" which sounds like lo-fi doo-wop.

Neighborhoof will have a release show at J&J's Pizza in Denton on 12/1.

MP3: Ryan Thomas Becker - Seek Fire, Anime Kids

I'm Jumpin' On That Train

Yep, I'm a little late on this one, but, it's better late than never, right? At the pre-party last week at the Granada while I was talking to Cory (and his sweet 'stache) from SubEx RTB2 were the band playing when I walked into the place. I was immediately enthralled by their crunchy take on rock. They have the raw energy of Deadboy and The Elephantmen that will punch you in the gut and enough energy to give The Black Keys a run for their money, and they have the loud-quiet-loud thing down to where Frank Black would put down his sandwich long enough to take notice.

MP3: RTB2 - When Hammer Hits Stone