Watch Video For First Single 'Home':
(Regina, SK) - With a total of 8 members, Regina band Government Town is definitely one of the biggest bands on the prairies, and today the entire band is excited to announce that their third album, simply titled III, will be released on Friday, May 20th. Today also marks the premiere of the video for their first single, 'Home' (watch the 'Home' video here). Government Town will celebrate the release of their new album with a hometown show coming up next month on Friday, June 3rd at The Artful Dodger. See below for full details.
It's hard to come up with a simple description for Government Town's sound. It's something you can't quite put your finger on and it's hard to just use one word to describe it. Their sound has been referred to as alt-country, Celtic-tinged, country-flavoured, alt-rock, folk, pop and even Canadiana. All of these are accurate descriptions, and whatever you call it, it’s obviously working. When they released their self-titled debut album in July of 2013, it immediately received radio airplay, award nominations and critical praise, including being named '#2 Best Album of 2013' by Taron Cochrane, freelance writer for the Regina Leader Post. And with the release of their 2nd album II in late 2014, the accolades continued with a nomination for 'Best Album' in Prairie Dog's 'Best of Regina 2015' Awards and multiple mentions in the Regina Leader Post as one of the 'Best Albums of 2014'.
Government Town's new album III is another collection of stories from a story-telling band, but the music takes on a greater rock feel. There’s more edge now, and hints of vulnerability, in the distinctive voice of singer-songwriter, Mike Harmel. These are songs about life and its cage of longing. There's hurt and loneliness on this album, but also the radiance and redemption of love and hope. And since this is the band's third album in as many years, they've certainly learned a thing or two along the way.
"When we made our first album in 2013, we had never been in a studio before," Harmel explains. "So, we were careful. We didn't take a lot of chances with the music. I think with this album we were all feeling more confident and you can hear it in the music. This album has a more polished, produced feel to it."
Eight talented musicians make up Government Town, giving the band its distinctive sound. There is a tightness and depth to the music on III, the result of the hard work and passion of a band that's been together for close to 5 years. The first single from III is the achingly beautiful track 'Home' and the video (produced by: Play Creative) reads like a love letter to the prairies. "Saskatchewan is our home," says Harmel. "There is an undeniable beauty to the prairies that can't be explained and that's what we're trying to express with this video."
Don't miss Government Town's album release show in Regina on Friday, June 3rd at The Artful Dodger. Visit governmenttown.com for more info and the most up-to-date show schedules and tour listings. Government Town III will be available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers/streaming services on Friday, May 20th.
GOVERNMENT TOWN III ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
When: Friday, June 3rd, 2016
Where: The Artful Dodger (1611 - 11th Ave, Regina, SK)
With: Jerry Knoll
Show Time: 8PM
Tickets: $10 at the door
GOVERNMENT TOWN III TRACK LISTING
RELEASE DATE: MAY 20th, 2016 (INDEPENDENT)
1. Home
2. Lead On
3. Godforsaken Town
4. The Other Side
5. Took a Train
6. Nightingale
7. Soldier in the Wind
8. Diamonds
For More Info: www.governmenttown.com
Twitter: @governmenttown
GOVERNMENT TOWN IS:
Michael Harmel - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica
Chris Leier - Guitar
Brad Vance - Bass
Miles Hoste - Mandolin, Banjo, Guitar
Neil Kapoor - Violin
Alan Valente - Keyboard
Tashia Walters - Back-up Vocals
Jayson Brinkworth - Drums