Major Murphy, Crooked Spires & Phabies
Backroom concert
Must have valid photo ID to verify age (21+) and identity at the door.
This show is standing room only.
Event Door Time: September 7th, 2023 – 7:00pm
Ticket Price: $10 – Tickets available at Etix.com and Bell’s General Store
About the artist:
Major Murphy is a band from Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Since playing their first show in 2015, they have released four EPs, two LPs, and performed in many cities and towns across North America. Some people that have seen them play (or put on one of their records) say, “they have a chill sound”, but the band themselves will be quick to tell you they also like to rock. Some folks say “Major Murphy has a retro sound”, and the band wouldn’t disagree with that, but they also aren’t out here just trying to dredge up the past. One track might find them nodding towards 90’s alternative and the next back towards 70’s soft rock. It’s a wide palate of sounds that inspires the band and from which they draw on; depending on what each song is trying to say. If you catch the band live, most of the time it will be a trio: guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. And of course, Jacki and Jacob’s harmonies are a big part of the sound too, undoubtedly indebted to one of their favorite bands, the Beatles.
Their last full-length release was an album called, ACCESS. Released in the spring of 2021, the album connected with a lot of folks locally and abroad, achieving “Album of the Year” award from their hometown radio station, WYCE in Grand Rapids, as well as favorable reviews across the pond from the likes of The Sunday Times and UNCUT magazine. The single, “In the Meantime” broke into radio and their song, “Attention” was placed on Spotify’s “Best Indie Songs of 2021” playlist. ACCESS was also covered by NPR’s All Songs Considered, SPIN, Stereogum, and many other reputable publications. Brooklyn Vegan said, “the whole album is a gem”.
In 2022 the band expanded the ACCESS universe with the Access Point EP; featuring new material and reworked songs from the full-length release as well as remixes by, ghost orchard, Triathalon, Psymon Spine, and Moonrun.
These days, the band continues to write and learn new material and the songs are piling up! It might be time to head back to the studio soon… They are still finding new ways to be inspired by three or four chords on a guitar and a 4/4 beat on drums. Maybe this is in part by digging a little deeper into their roots? In late 2022 they released a cover of Bob Dylan’s, “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” and in early 2023 participated in a Bob Dylan tribute show.
So, what do you think? If you haven’t heard them yet, look for their music at your favorite record store or on your favorite streaming platform. And if you are the type to go to a concert, lookout for a date near you and go see ‘em live.
