Ester Drang Returns with The Appearances

The EP features six new songs, including a Starflyer 59 cover.

Several years ago, I lamented the apparent demise of Oklahoma’s Ester Drang, who had released several excellent post-rock/shoegaze albums and delivered some of my favorite concerts of all time. But the band has risen from the ashes, so to speak. Within the last couple of years, they’ve reissued their 2003 masterpiece Infinite Keys, toured with Echo & the Bunnymen, and played a series of shows and festivals.

All of that activity has led to this: on October 26, Clerestory AV will release The Appearances, Ester Drang’s first new release in 12 years. The EP features founding members Bryce Chambers and Kyle Winner who are joined by Tommy McKenzie (NET, Stardeath, White Dwarfs) and Hank Hanewinkel III (Nuns, Native Lights). Founding member James McAlister, who now plays with Sufjan Stevens and The National, also contributed to the album. Here’s the track list:

  1. From the Ruins
  2. On Your Way Out
  3. The Union
  4. It’s Too Late
  5. 2nd Space Song (Starflyer 59 cover, exclusive to vinyl and CD editions)
  6. Young and Restless

If you listen to “The Union” above, it’s apparent that the band’s dreamy, blissed out sound is still in full effect, even after a dozen years.

Enjoy reading Opus? Want to support my writing? Become a subscriber for just $5/month or $50/year.
Subscribe Today
Return to the Opus homepage