Ring Shout has plenty of spirit

I met the band at Progress Coffee on Fifth Street, just east of I-35. They walked in, each one looking like a blues song waiting to happen. With the influx of the live music cliche in Austin, Ring Shout is like a breath of fresh air. Their music, reminiscent of an afternoon on the eastside, sounds like artists of a past generation, due in part to the fact that nobody makes music like this anymore.

The band derived the name Ring Shout, meaning "with spirit", from a term used by southern slaves during the 18th century; it describes a form of prayer involving song and a circle of people holding hands. They have a self-described rhythm and blues psychedelic gospel rock sound, and gain influence from artists such as Tom Waits. They recently shot a video with Lucky Rabbit Films at Vortex Theaters and other various Austin locations.

Growing up in a communal living environment in East Texas, the band didn't experience things like television. The group cites this as a big part of their musical history.

"I think the common thread of the band is our influences vary from the church pew to a smoky bar," said member John Michael.

They grew up playing together and it's distinguishable in their melodies and lyrics. They lay down a steady rockin' beat and poetic lyrics, without the poppy catchiness of most music made today. The songs from their self-titled eight song EP were originally recorded on a road trip to Coney Island, where they gathered inspiration. Bringing the energy back to Texas, they finished the album at a band member's house on a 4-track recorder.

"There's a lot of history to our band … the way we play and where we come from; I think it really comes across in our music," said lead singer Andy Anderson.

The thing that sets them apart from other bands - besides having a female bassist - is the way that they dare to be unique without trying to be different. Though primarily based in Austin, they have all traveled to different venues around Texas. "We feel at home wherever we are when we're on stage," said bassist Carley Wolf.

You may recognize members of Ring Shout from other Austin bands, like another favorite of mine, The Dirty Sound. One of the members is also currently involved in commercial music studies here at ACC.

To hear Ring Shout, and to watch their new video, visit myspace.com/ringshoutsavedsoul.