IRON STREET

Michael Young (WFPK) Quote

2007-04-12T10:08:00.000-04:00

"Between Two Lions has enormous potential. Put This City On My Shoulders is my favorite Americana debut of 2006. It has all the beauty and desperation that Whiskeytown fans will love."

- Michael Young, host of Roots n' Boots, WFPK Louisville

Louisville Music News Review

2007-03-13T14:01:00.000-04:00

February 2007

Kind-Hearted Country

Between Two Lions
Put This City on My Shoulders (Independent)

By Tim Roberts

There's a quote, attributed to Elvis Costello who said he borrowed it
from Martin Mull, which goes, "Writing about music is like dancing
about architecture." That must mean we music critics are wasting our
time and could put our meager typing skills to better use by doing
something more constructive: creating pithy essays of social
criticism, composing political tracts, writing dirty instant messages
over the Internet to lonely housewives.

Okay, for now let's use hobo symbols to describe music.

Back when the Kings of the Road stowed themselves aboard boxcars to
get from one town to the next, they would communicate with each other
through a set of primitive symbols scrawled on rocks at deserted
campsites, on railroad trestles, on sidewalks. If a combination of
circles and lines that looked like a cat was drawn on the ground in
front of a house, it meant that a kind woman lived there. An upended
rectangle with a line struck through the bottom, the shape of a top
hat, meant that a kind gentleman lived there.

So to describe Put This City on my Shoulders, the second release from
New Albany's Between Two Lions, draw the hobo symbol for a kind
gentleman and draw a quarter-note in it.

This is alt-country music done with kindness.

The songs in City are overall low-key, full of loneliness and longing
(due largely to the understated pedal steel guitar work from Tim
Corley), yet there is no apparent variation in theme or tone. But
that's good because it means there is a consistency throughout the
work: straightforward with no surprises.

However, the messages in the songs are positive and speak of bearing
burdens and owning up to mistakes, such as taking someone's love for
granted in "Madeline," where lead vocalist Brent Engle sings "[you]
Stowed your love in an overhead bin / Just above my heart / Told
myself one day I'd need it / But I forgot." Or of the murderer full of
regret, doing hard time in prison in "From the Inside," where he says
he'd return his victim's life if it meant he could be free. That's
appropriately followed by "Rain Parade," where a man pleads to be
buried next his parents and that the heart of his one true lover is
protected.

Punctuating the lessons learned in the previous tracks is "Mouth Full
of Magic," a song about the support a community, or even a home, can
give to a person and the simple gesture of reciprocation that person
can make. One verse contains the CD's title, stating, "I know I can
lean on this town / And when the time is right / I'll put this city on
my shoulders."

While the entire work of Put This City on My Shoulders has a musical
and lyrically- thematic consistency, it doesn't make its point baldly
with melodrama. A lot like life, its messages are subtle. They hit you
when you're least ready - sort of a twist on the Buddhist saying that
when the student is ready, the teacher appears. More like the teacher
appears right when the student is still in his boxer shorts and
t-shirt scrounging for pencil and a piece of paper while the TV's
still on.

Get ready for your life lessons at www.betweentwolions.com.

Music Morsels Review

2007-01-26T16:04:00.000-05:00

January 2007

Between Two Lions - Put This City On My Shoulders
BTL02

by Mark Waterbury

Maybe if the Velvet Underground grew up in small town Indiana instead
of New York they would have sounded like this New Albany group. The
music is edgy in a retro, avant garde way intertwined with more
tempered and simplistic applications of alt folk and country. The
lyrics are thought provoking and delivered in clear, emotive fashion.
Predominately mellow, the music still has an underlying intensity that
snares you.

30music.com Review

2007-01-07T18:39:00.000-05:00

January 2007

Between Two Lions
"Put This City On My Shoulders" (CD)

released in 2006
Label: self-released
http://www.betweentwolions.com/

A lot of great music was released in 2006 and the accolades were well
distributed, but let's hope that the recognition and praise was doted
upon those who truly deserved it. Between Two Lions' sophomore release
is among the albums which honestly warrants this praise. The record,
titled Put This City On My Shoulders, blurs the line between
alt-country and rock to find a happy, retrospective sound much in the
way of Wilco or Son Volt.

Lyrically, the album presents a solid storyline, indicating the depth
and emotional connection that Between Two Lion's lyricist and
vocalist, Brent Engle, has to his music. Rather than poorly
paraphrasing the lovely description on their press release, it makes
more sense to allow the words to speak for themselves: "The album
tells the story of someone growing up in a small town; leaving to
explore the world; then returning, resigned to the fact that he can
never truly leave; and finally embracing that fact." Put This City On
My Shoulders has a relaxed, twangy sound that immediately sedates the
listener to cozy into the world that Between Two Lions has created.
The music is eclectic and well delivered within the confines of the
alt-country genre; it fits comfortably into an indie alt-country
category but still plays around with the conventions.

Engle, along with Eric Moore, and brothers Tim and Todd Corley all
hail from New Albany, Indiana, giving their sound that small town
texture, adding intimacy where you might not find it in a major
"Nashville" release. With the lyrical connectivity amidst the tracks,
one feels the spirit and wholeheartedness of the entire album, and the
transitions are smooth and keep the album from feeling jerky or
interrupted.

Since each track has its place in the storyline that Put This City On
My Shoulders carefully and creatively narrates, it's hard to find
individual tracks to label as "stand out." The familiarity that one
has with the album while listening to tracks like "Rain
Parade,"Controlled Burn," and "No Parachute" almost feels as though
innermost insecurities and personal problems are being divulged in
trust. In that regard, the album is very relatable. Each of the tracks
provides something tangible for the listener to emotionally grab a
hold of and squeeze tightly, finding comfort knowing that someone else
has had the same experience in trying to find their place in the world
outside of a notion of home.

Between Two Lions has done an excellent job of placing the human
experience to music. There was no better style to convey this with
than the one that they, along with producer Duane Lundy, have so
specifically and thoughtfully created.

-30-

Review written on 2007/01/02 by Anika Henrikson

Independents Only Review

2007-01-04T14:04:00.000-05:00

Between Two Lions "Put This City on My Shoulders"
Self-produced

On my first listen, I was overcome with the feeling I had when the
whole alt-country thing was just being noticed. But, after listening
to more I realized that Between The Lions couldn't be pinned down that
easily. On "Put This City" they deliver a one-two punch with an
outstanding, full recording, amazing songwriting and a bit of a knack
for building a song. BTL brings a unique brand of Southern Folk Pop to
your player and seem to have all the right components in place for a
lengthy career. From the harmonica fueled "Blessed Steamroller" to the
pedal steel balladry of "No Parachutes"… this here is road trip music.
Give this one a shot!

R.I.Y.L.: Whiskeytown, Todd Snider, Josh Ritter

Photo archive

2006-11-10T12:32:00.000-05:00

We just published an archive of pictures of the band that we have been
collecting over the past couple of years. Enjoy.

http://picasaweb.google.com/betweentwolions

Online-Rock.com Review

2006-11-10T02:20:00.000-05:00

November 2006

Online-Rock.com
November 7, 2006
Between Two Lions - Put This City On My Shoulders CD Review
By KRIS LARSON

Scented ever so slightly with eau de Toad the Wet Sprocket and
smelling more than a little like the Gin Blossoms, Between Two Lions
hum and harmonize their way through their latest release, Put This
City on my Shoulders. It's a much more thoughtful album than their
self-titled debut two years ago, dealing with the challenges and
rewards of returning to small town life after your big city
adventures.

How you gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen Par-ee?
When Brent Engle sings "Save me a place next to the plots of my mother
and father, and lay me gently to sleep in this town," he's both
mourning and celebrating his roots. The band uses vintage instruments
and rough guitar sounds to generate a nostalgic, country-flavored
noise; listening, you feel like you're standing on Main Street in
Small Town, America. Ultimately, it's that love of their tiny Indiana
burg that keeps the band singing and sighing. "We're a far cry from
Nashville and miles from the west coast," Engle sings, "but I've got a
mouth full of magic." He certainly does.

Favorite Track: Track 11, "A mouth full of magic"

Indie-Music.com Review

2006-11-09T21:09:00.000-05:00

November 2006

Indie-Music.com
November 4, 2006
Between Two Lions ~ Put This City On My Shoulders
By STEPHANIE JOUDREY

Between Two Lions are pretty much the classic case of a band with a
lot of talent and good intentions but missing that certain knack that
will bring them stardom. I usually find that if you dig deeper into
these bands, it is their integrity holding them together, assisting
them to play their heart and soul to fans. They write albums that they
truly believe in, regardless of how many will sell.

Put This City On My Shoulders is a safe album in terms of its sound.
It sits on the fence between country and rock. I have applied the term
Alt. Country very loosely, as there isn't much Alt. about it. This
band can mix up any song to fit the bill of where they are playing.
Any number of the tracks on the disc could be rocked up if needed. I
imagine that diversity has gained them many a fan when people see them
playing a mellow set one night and a full-on rock gig the next week.

Lead singer Brent Engle has a calm voice that can only come naturally
from singing with his family or a number of bands since he was a kid.
His vocals are never overpowering. Actually, it seems that each member
has taken care not to hold the spotlight too long. They all meld
together, creating songs that feel complete.

The calmness of Engle's voice does seem to hold the mood of the entire
disc though. You aren't going to get too many ups or downs from this
disc. I know that doesn't make it sound all too appealing, but
sometimes you don't want to listen to music that has crazy highs and
lows. This would be the perfect album to listen to while you were
cooking Sunday morning breakfast.

Put This City On My Shoulders is a solid album. I would be interested
to hear what else they've done in order to hear what happens when they
jump right out of the box.

Between Two Lions: Put This City on My Shoulders [ADDreviews]

2006-10-23T10:40:00.000-04:00

Between Two Lions
Put This City on My Shoulders
Country
7/14/2006

Comfort music that manages to sound fresh, yet familiar. Twangy and
laid back, would be perfect on a rainy day.

Rating: O O O 1/2

reviewed by Chris

Richard Buckner with Between Two Lions - Monday, Nov 06, 2006 9:30 PM

2006-10-16T12:00:00.000-04:00

Blue Sky Kentucky Presents:

Richard Buckner with Between Two Lions presented by Blue Sky Kentucky
- Americana Caravan

Monday, Nov 06, 2006 7:30 PM EST (7:00 PM Doors) - Monday, Nov 06,
2006 9:30 PM EST at Comedy Caravan

Blue Sky Kentucky Presents the Americana Caravan. Tickets are only $8,
but you can purchase VIP tables and receive a tax deduction receipt
for your donation to Blue Sky Kentucky. You will also be listed as a
VIP sponsor for the night. Blue Sky Kentucky, Inc., a Louisville-based
non-profit organization, unites and inspires audiences of all ages and
segments of the community for the appreciation and advancement of all
forms of Americana music by presenting a festival, concert series and
educational programs, providing local musicians a venue for
professional development, and addressing the growing local demand for
the enjoyment of music in a comfortable setting.

Tickets available through TicketWeb.

Between Two Lions - Put This City On My Shoulders

2006-09-11T10:15:00.000-04:00

September 2007

pulverradio.com
September 7, 2006
By MICHAEL MCCLENATHAN

Rock music (nay, music in general) may seem to the untrained eye to be
in trouble these days. The major labels put out mostly dreck, nobody
believes in or watches MTV, terrestrial radio borders on criminally
negligent. And maybe (probably) there will never be another time
period where people line up around the block from a record store on a
Tuesday to buy a record the day it comes out. But all the loudmouthed
fatalists just aren't looking in the right places. There is so much
good music out there. The ship may be sinking, but there are a
MULTITUDE of life-boats heading away from it in every direction.
Between Two Lions is in one of them.

Between Two Lions' second release, Put This City On My Shoulders,
delivers on the potential promised in their earlier work. And then
some. According to the band's own site, "The album tells the story of
someone growing up in a small town; leaving to explore the world; then
returning, resigned to the fact that he can never truly leave; and
finally embracing that fact." But don't expect a straight narrative,
because it isn't one. It is, however, a strong collection of songs
that, if you're like me and came from a small town, might make you
homesick once or twice. I've said it before and I'll echo myself here:
this band exemplifies small-town rock. There's no posturing, no big
city grit. Just good, pretty songs.

Site updates - long over due

2006-09-07T10:55:00.000-04:00

The betweentwolions.com site is updated with our latest reviews of "Put This City On My Shoulders" as well as the setlist from the Midwest Music Summit.

Enjoy.

Pucknation dot com Review

2006-09-05T15:22:00.000-04:00

"Put This City On My Shoulders"

2006 Self Release
Score: 7.5 (of 10)

Put This City On My Shoulders is the debut full-length album by the
New Albany, Indiana band Between Two Lions. The band is following up
their 2004 debut, self-titled EP.

Put This City On My Shoulders is a fairly interesting record in that
it is coming from a band who are playing out of (almost) nowhere, but
does not have a "small town band" feel to it. Between Two Lions are a
talented group of musicians who have moved from the indie rock
direction of their debut EP in to the realm of alt. country. This
type of music can be a bit hard to play, if the band it too country it
will alienate it's alternative fans and if it's too alternative it
will alienate it's country fans; walking this fine line is what
Between Two Lions does best. Their music, with it's twangy guitars
("Approximity affect") and sad harmonica ("No parachute") is
definitely country, but the catchy ("Madeline"), though lonely
melodies ("No parachute") are definitely alternative.

The vocals on Put This City On My Shoulders are well performed, to the
point where the sparseness of "Attic flowers" will be appreciated just
as much, if not more, than the songs featuring a more full sound.
Lyrically the album is not terrifically written and at times it is a
bit odd, but altogether has a quaint catchiness to it, which is best
heard on "Madeline," which features lines like, "Stowed your love in
an overhead bin, just above my heart/ Told myself that one day I'd
need it/ But I forgot."

Overall: Fairly well played, with a good overall sound and good vocals.

Graham Bailey
09/03/2006

August 2006 Babysue®: LMNOP® Review

2006-09-03T01:19:00.000-04:00

Between Two Lions - Put This City on My Shoulders (Independently released CD, Soft pop/Americana)

Between Two Lions is a four piece band based in New Albany, Indiana. Although the band is being lumped into the alternative country category, in actuality their music differs from other such bands. The tracks on Put This City on My Shoulders are soft, pure pop tunes that just happen to be accentuated by a rather precisely played pedal steel guitar. Other than the steel guitar, the band's music is pure, soft pop. This is the band's second album, and it finds them sounding exceedingly slick, smooth, and accessible. Unlike a lot of underground bands, these guys have the potential to hit it big with lots of folks. Their songs are smart, honest, and very easy on the ears and consciousness. Cool laidback rhythms and heartfelt vocals make tracks like "Attic Flowers" and "Letter From the Inside" really shine... (Rating: 4++++)

August 2006 The ChickenFish Speaks Review

2006-08-31T10:49:00.000-04:00

Between Two Lions - Put This City On My Shoulders - CD

There are few times that I can appreciate a steel pedal guitar and this is one of them. BTL is a great alt country band with tastes of Chamberlain, Ryan Adams, Whiskytown and Todd Snider. I was trying to figure out who the vocalist sounds like and I finally got it, a young Jackson Browne. Yes, digging ever deeper into the past. Standouts include the haunting "Letters from the Inside", the introspective "Attic Flowers", The driving "Approximity Effect" and the sad story of "Controlled Burn". A real standout of a release from a band in southern Indiana.

-- Grog Mutant (2006)

August 2006 Smother.net Review

2006-08-31T10:48:00.000-04:00

Editor's Pick

Indiana is not only according to the Department of Homeland Security one of the biggest targets of terrorists (ahead of California clearly), but also the home to alt. country artists Between Two Lions. The guitar swaggers with a swaying hollow-bodied tone that belies a straight-forward Nashville sound. The lyrics are an honest reminder of down-home cookin and gritty bar brawls with a vocalist dipped in cheap whiskey. Stirring songs that will send a shiver up and down your spine, having you forget that whole Wilco trend.

- J-Sin

August 2006 Velocity Review

2006-08-31T10:47:00.001-04:00

'Put This City on My Shoulders,' Between Two Lions

Between Two Lions apparently went through a transition with putting together its first-full length.

Whereas the local quartet's previous self-titled EP presented more of a cathartic indie rock feel, "Put this City on My Shoulders" shows the band moving toward a rootsy rock.

And it's a refreshing change considering how smooth the CD glides through each acoustic guitar riff or pedal steel guitar wail.

Remnants of Uncle Tupelo's "Still Feel Gone" or Son Volt's "Trace" can certainly be heard throughout the CD, but luckily Brent Engle's vocals stray far from Jay Farrar's nasal strain.

The strummy, upbeat "Approximity Affect" is a solid uptempo effort, but the band shifts dynamics well enough between the sweet ballad "Madeline" to the rocking "Blessed Steamroller" back to a pensive anthem about small town influence with "Rain Parade."

It may not be the Between Two Lions you're familiar with, but nonetheless the band has taken a major step forward with a CD full of solid alt-country songwriting and craftsmanship.

-- Chris Quay

WFPK audio available

2006-08-31T10:47:00.000-04:00

Audio from the 7/14/2006 Between Two Lions appearance on 91.9 WFPK's Live Lunch series is available at:

http://216.24.56.185:8080/WFPK's Live Lunch Dial-Up Users/20060714LL20.mp3.m3u

July 2006 Louisville Eccentric Observer article

2006-08-31T10:44:00.000-04:00

Louisville Eccentric Observer
July 12, 2006
Five Important Questions: With Between Two Lions
by ANTHONY BOWMAN

I liked this band as soon as I heard them, and then I found out that they're from New Albany, which made me like them even more. (Being from across the river myself, it's exciting to see a really great band coming out of my hometown.)

Between Two Lions' new record, Put This City on My Shoulders, is 45 minutes worth of alt-country magic. The smoky, jukebox ballads stand up alongside the best of Whiskeytown and early My Morning Jacket. Guitarist Tim Corley has perfected the plaintive wail of the pedal steel guitar, which seems to cry out its agreement with Brent Engle's low, lovelorn, nearly whispered lyrics. Engle himself uses the harmonica to the same end, which works wonderfully. This isn't "All My Rowdy Friends" country. This is pure "Tear in My Beer."

Louisville is also a main character in the album; references appear in most of the songs. There is definitely a sense of the lonely isolation that can only be possible in a city full of strangers. If you imagine wandering brokenhearted alongside the gray streets of this city late at night and then stumbling into some honky-tonk dive, drawn by the music escaping along with cigarette smoke through the door left ajar, ideally the band playing would be Between Two Lions. If you didn't imagine them, you probably haven't heard them. And if you haven't, you should.

Engle recently took time to take on LEO's Five Important Questions.

LEO: If you were Mayor, what would you do to help promote people like you in this city?
Brent Engle: Find ways to emphasize local music. One way might be to help fund WXBH-FM, 92.7, Brick House Radio. This locally controlled station would lower the barriers typically associated with getting your music on the radio and give local artists a much needed performance venue from which to share their music. Helping local bands get their music on the radio would be the ultimate display of support by the Mayor's office.

LEO: Which Louisville musician needs to get more attention?
BE: There are many. Two guys that come to mind right away are Nate Thumas (the old 100 Acre Wood, and now Dallas Alice) and Peter Searcy (Squirrel Bait, Big Wheel, Starbilly, solo). They are both very talented songwriters and musicians who deserve much more recognition than they have received to date.

LEO: Tell me about one of your favorite works of art aside from your medium.
BE: A local artist by the name of Michael Nicolas painted the oil-on-canvas piece "City" that was used for the cover of Put This City On My Shoulders. After seeing this piece and talking to Michael about his inspiration for creating it, I instantly got the idea for this record. I don't know much about art, but it has been said that art should inspire. We have a really great record, and I bought the painting - I call that inspiration. Another artist who has been a favorite of mine for quite some time is Jack Simon. His medium is charcoal on canvas and he has a style that is very interesting to me - I own more than a few of his pieces.

LEO: If music were food, what kind would yours be?
BE: Probably a pizza and a beer from Rich-O's Public House. I always feel great after a couple of slices of pizza and a few Electors. I hope that is how people feel after listening to our music - completely satisfied.

LEO: What do you want to say that you know you shouldn't?
BE: I think we are all in touch with reality when it comes down to being in a band - that is, we all have our careers separate from Between Two Lions. That being said, we still occasionally check the machine for a message from Austin City Limits.

7 days and counting

2006-07-07T09:50:00.000-04:00

We are exactly one week away from the release of Put This City On My Shoulders. The band is ready and excited for you to hear the new record. Don't forget, you can listen in or attend live the 91.9 WKPK Live Lunch at 12 PM featuring Between Two Lions. Seating at WFPK's Live Lunch, while available, is limited and is first come first serve. Also that evening is the Put This City On My Shoulders Record Release Party at Uncle Pleasant's. The show starts at 9 PM and the band will be joined by The Trust and Jamie Barnes.

Call your friends, bring your friends, come to one or both of the shows! If you have any questions, please email info@betweentwolions.com. See you there.

WFPK's "Roots 'n Boots" pt. 2

2006-04-17T16:36:00.000-04:00

Last night "Controlled Burn" was featured on 91.9 WFPK's "Roots 'n Boots" program. According to the program's host, Michael Young, "Madeline" was well-received on last week's show so he decided to play another track off the album. Again, please email studio@wfpk.org (for the current on-air DJ) or call (502) 814-6584 and request the song. Any support you can offer is appreciated.

Between Two Lions featured on WPFK's "Roots 'n Boots"

2006-04-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

We're pleased to report that WFPK (91.9 FM) has begun playing "Madeline", a song from the new album. The band was featured on "Roots 'n Boots" with Michael Young this past Sunday (4/9). Now that they've put us on the air, we need your support to keep us there. So please email studio@wfpk.org (for the current on-air DJ) or call (502) 814-6584 and request the song. Any support you can offer is appreciated.

Below is a play list from the show:

6 PM

Last Train Home - "Baltimore" from A CASE FOR CASE: A TRIBUTE TO THE SONGS OF PETER CASE [Hungry For Music]
Wrinkle Neck Mules - "Lowlight" from PULL THE BRAKE [Shut Eye]
Stillhouse - "I Wrote You a Letter" from THROUGH THE WINTER [Vella]
Drive-By Truckers - "Little Bonnie" from A BLESSING AND A CURSE [New West]
Lucero - "Little Silver Heart" from LUCERO [Madjack]
Loretta Lynn - "You Wanna Give Me A Lift" from HONKY TONK GIRL: THE LORETTA LYNN COLLECTION [MCA]
Phil Lee - "Just Some Girl" from YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN ME THEN [Shanachie]
Lucinda Williams - "Ventura" from WORLD WITHOUT TEARS [Lost Highway]
Tres Chicas - "Shade Trees In Bloom" from BLOOM, RED & THE ORDINARY GIRL [Yep Roc]
Lambchop - "All Smiles And Mariachi" from HOW I QUIT SMOKING [Merge]
Bob Dylan - "If You Gotta Go, Go Now (Or Else You Got To Stay All Night)" from THE BOOTLEG SERIES 1961-1991 [Columbia]
The Gourds - "Shake The Chandelier" from HEAVY ORNAMENTALS [Eleven Thirty]
Johnny Cash - "See Ruby Fall" from THE ESSENTIAL JOHNNY CASH 1955-1983 [Columbia/Legacy]
Kris Kristofferson - "Wild American" from THIS OLD ROAD [New West]

7 PM

Between Two Lions - "Madeline" from PUT THIS CITY ON MY SHOULDERS [self-released]
The Eighteenth Day Of May - "Sir Casey Jones" from THE EIGHTEENTH DAY OF MAY [Hannibal]
Sunshone Still - "Saturdays In The Sky" from DEAD LETTERS [Catfish]
Ralph Stanley - "O Death" from O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? SOUNDTRACK [Lost Highway]
Vic Chesnutt - "Ignorant People" from GHETTO BELLS [New West]
Charlie Rich - "Stay" from FEEL LIKE GOING HOME: THE ESSENTIAL CHARLIE RICH [Epic/Legacy]
Scott Miller & The Commonwealth - "Jody" from CITATION [Sugar Hill]
The Bottle Rockets - "Take Me To The Bank" from THE BROOKLYN SIDE [TAG]
Alejandro Escovedo - "Guilty" from BOURBONITIS BLUES [Bloodshot]
Steve Earle - "Sometimes She Forgets" from TRAIN A COMIN' [Warner Brothers]
Emmylou Harris - "The Price You Pay" from CIMARRON [Eminent]
Bruce Springsteen - "Used Cars" from NEBRASKA [Columbia]
Johnny Berry and the Outliers - "Lying Down" from FEGENBUSH FARM [self-released]
Merle Haggard - "The Farmer's Daughter" from HAG [Capitol]
Gurf Morlix - "Evening Raga" from A CASE FOR CASE: A TRIBUTE TO THE SONGS OF PETER CASE [Hungry For Music]

new MySpace profile songs

2006-04-06T12:53:00.000-04:00

We will be adding a song from our new record, "Put This City On My Shoulders", to our MySpace profile each month until the album is released...

Stay tuned.

"Put this City on my Shoulders" track info

2006-02-21T22:26:00.000-05:00

Tracking for the new record is complete. Mixing and master will be completed in the coming weeks. The following is an unordered list of the eleven tracks on the album:

a mouth full of magic
approximity affect
attic flowers
blessed steamroller
controlled burn
letter from the inside
Madeline
no parachute
rain parade
red flashing lights
what treasure

album artwork

2006-02-09T21:26:00.000-05:00

A good friend to the band will be contributing artwork to the forthcoming Between Two Lions album, Put this City on my Shoulders. Michael Nicolas's painting, titled "City", was inspiration for both the title and theme of the album. For more information on Michael's work, please contact info@betweentwolions.com.

are you listening?

2006-02-03T16:20:00.000-05:00

If you are then you realized that there are new songs.

We have posted a new demo version of "a mouth full of magic" from the forthcoming Between Two Lions release, "Put this city on my shoulders". Drop us a line and let us know what you think. If you appreciate this version you won't believe what it sounds like w/ the full band.Also new is "controlled burn", a song that we recorded from the soundboard of our 12/15/2005 show at Phoenix Hill Tavern. The quality and mix are an A.

More on the new album in the coming weeks.

Between Two Lions (EP), Press

2005-11-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

April 2005

Louisville Velocity
April 13, 2005
Between Two Lions is Three Best Friends
by JOSHUA HAMMANN

There's not much clamoring out there for a one-man band.

It's tough to walk with that bass drum on your back, and well, clapping cymbals between your knees will never beat out a steady rhythm.

So Brent Engle recruited two of his best friends to turn Between Two Lions from a notion in his head and a collection of songs nobody had ever heard into a legit band.

Engle, along with drummer Eric Moore and bassist Todd Corley, have been playing and performing under the name Between Two Lions since late 2001.

All three guys, and manager Scott Estes, grew up together in New Albany.

In 2001, the three had been called Thieves, and included guitarist John Stein. Stein, however, moved to California in 2003.

It wasn't until the band was whittled down to a trio that it was able to play out.

Engle, Moore and Corley went into the studio about this time last year with Faulk Audio engineer Tim Haertel manning the board. As is the case with most young bands, money and studio time were short, so the band had just a week to record a nine-song EP.

"It was as much fun as playing out, if not more so," Engle said of his maiden voyage into a real studio. "It gave us time to be creative together, and it was a good experience for us."

The self-titled EP is nothing more than gentle, guitar-driven pop. Engle's voice, especially on "Thieves," is warm and intimate, and artfully takes the lead over his clean guitar lines and a steady, bouncing rhythm.

"Our sound has evolved a little bit," Engle said. "We were looking for the folk-country flavor in the beginning, but it's something a little more poppy and gentle now. It's basically pop and roots rock."

"The plan right now is to go back into the studio this fall," Engle said. "We have an enormous amount of new material to record. Hopefully, we'll have something by the end of the year to shop around. That's our goal right now."

Until them, you can check out Between Two Lions live April 27 during the Roots of Rock Battle of the Bands at Jillian's.

Full Article.

April 2005

New Albany Tribune
April 17, 2005
Three childhood friends use talent, passion to make a new band a success
by RONI MONTGOMERY

Between Two Lions is a relatively new local band, but their passion for music has thrived for years. Comprised of three childhood friends - Brent Engle, Eric Moore and Todd Corley - the band has a desire to "create music that people want to hear."

With years of training and practice, the New Albany natives have a rich history in music. Besides being the lead vocalist, Engle plays guitar harmonica, piano/keyboards and writes all the music and lyrics for the band. Moore, the drummer, is a classically trained percussionist who has played since he was 8 years old. And Corley, whose father and twin brother have played in popular local bands, is a seasoned bass guitarist.

"We've been into music our entire lives, and it just manifested into a band," Engle said. "We're your basic roots rock band with a poppy flavor. Our music has a gentle aspect to it. The band is a product of musicians with open minds to a broad array of sounds and styles."

Engle said the band formed in 2001, but didn't perform live until 2002. Their shows consist of their own original music, mixed with an array of cover material.

"It took about a year to build our confidence," he said. "Since then, we've played at local venues such as Headliners, The Main Street Lounge, O'Sheas, Wick's and the Main Menu."

In March 2004, the band recorded their first album, "Between Two Lions EP," at Faulk Audio in Louisville. It was released in December 2004, and is available at their shows, on the band's Web site - www.betweentwolions.com - and at cdbaby.com.

"When we created the album, we wanted to put together songs that we'd want to hear - songs that our friends and other people would like," Engle said. "We've been pleasantly surprised with the response. You never know what people are going to say. But, quite a few people have told us they really enjoy it. And we seem to have a steady base of fans who come to our shows."

Inspired by bands such as Whiskeytown, The Stone Roses and Television, the trio enjoys the creative process of making original music.

"I start the process by writing the songs, and we finish them together," Engle said. "When we finish a song it's usually very different from the original version. Eric and Todd are really talented musicians, so it makes it easy."

Even though the members have professional careers - Engle is a senior consultant for a telecommunications firm, Moore is an accountant and Corley is a systems administrator and owner of an information technology consulting firm - they take the band very seriously.

"We're going to keep playing as long as it is fun," Engle said. "If the band gets in the way of our careers, or if our careers get in the way of the band, we'll have to cross the bridge when we get there. We're not going to rule anything out. We just truly enjoy making music and know that people want to listen."

Between Two Lions will perform in Louisville at Jillian's Roots of Rock Band Battle at 9:30 p.m. on April 27, and at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom's Thirsty Melon Music Festival June 24-26.

Full Article.

May 2005

PulverRadio
May 5, 2005
PulverRadio Spotlight
by MICHAEL MCCLENATHAN

Between Two Lions is the name that Brent Engle uses when he puts on his rock hat. His friends Eric and Todd help out, too. This is rock from a small town in Indiana, and it sounds the way good rock from a small town should sound. It's not rushed, not obnoxious or overbearing, and it's very pretty.

May 2005

Louisville Eccentric Observer
May 11, 2005
Between Two Lions (EP)
by DOUG RAPP

New Albanyï¿½s Between Two Lions has released an EP of sharp and jangly pop tunes, like REM and later-day Lemonheads. Opener ï¿½Walking Awakeï¿½ floats over the same somberly discordant chords Evan Dando used to croon over. ï¿½Pop Songï¿½ is, well, a catchy pop song, with backing woo-woos and lyrics like Iï¿½m feeling alone, I throw a Velvets record on because Iï¿½m digging the tone. ï¿½Put On a Shirtï¿½ sounds like an intriguing demo of John Mayer jamming with Shudder to Think.

The trio shifts into alt-country mode with ï¿½Anthem for a Heartbreaker,ï¿½ and then rolls into Stonesish territory with ï¿½Tracey,ï¿½ a sly ode to a girl who broke songwriter Engleï¿½s heart not once, not twice, but three times.

The eight-song EP closes with ï¿½Twenty-four,ï¿½ a reference to the 24 years since Engle poked my head in at this world rather than Kiefer Sutherland. The band kicks it up a bit more toward the end, charging into a Neil Youngish guitar solo. Engle has a lot of ideas based in some tried-and-true schools of rock, and it should be interesting to see how these guys evolve. Between Two Lions plays the newly opened Oasis (1506 Lake Shore Court, 412-2275) with Bloom Street on Friday at 10 p.m.

Full Article.

August 2005

Indie-Music.com
August 06, 2005
Between Two Lions (EP)
by DEREK BLACKMON

Finally, my faith in rock is slowly being restored. On Indiana-based Between Two Lions' initial self-titled EP, it appears that talent, in lieu of flashy make-up (vis-Ã -vis My Chemical Romance and The Killers) and bed-wetter lyrics (reference your least favorite emo band here), is once again the new rage.

With nine songs attached, itï¿½s a bit of a misnomer to actually classify this as an EP, but my job now is to write about it, not to change how itï¿½s marketed. Donï¿½t be misled, there are a couple of tender songs here, but the sad bastard element seems to be kept at elbow's distance.

The opening track ï¿½Walking Awakeï¿½ seems vaguely familiar to The Wallflowersï¿½ ï¿½Three Marlenas,ï¿½ but Jakob Dylan is a second generation rock God, so this influence is welcomed with open arms. Lead singer and sole lyricist Brent Engle does sweet justice to what are seemingly introspective lyrics and Midwest sensibilities:

Is the girl of my dreams
walking awake looking for me
pinch me if she's there
if not let me sleep
let me die alone in my sleep

ï¿½Anthem for a Heartbreakerï¿½ will go down as the most overlooked and underappreciated alt-country song of the year. Donï¿½t believe me? Listen to it and find one better and Iï¿½ll paint your house. This is the song John Mellencamp couldï¿½ve written twenty-five years ago, but he mustï¿½ve been too busy changing his name and lighting another cigarette. The fellow Hoosier could use it these days; heï¿½s got to be sick of singing ï¿½Jack and Dianeï¿½ by now.

Something about the melodious angst of ï¿½Twenty-Fourï¿½ made me shudder. I admire a guy who can wax philosophical about his young life, but thereï¿½s something unjust about thinking you should be settled in your early twenties. Thatï¿½s the time when being young is priceless. At this point youï¿½ve learned to avoid the police, relationships, bar tabs and responsibility. These are the days you tell your kids about when you reach your forties! Ah, impetuous youth, where is thy sting?

The demo for ï¿½Slow Shineï¿½ rounds out this collection, and if this is merely the demo I either need to hear the final cut or this should be heard by anyone whoï¿½s ever been innocently in love. This is the most eloquent and beautiful track here. And they call it a demo! Foolish, I tell you. This is the finished product.

Trying to place individual influences on each song is completely unnecessary. Everything is inspired by something that came before it, whether itï¿½s apparent or not. Between Two Lionsï¿½ website indicates that a full-length release is expected later this year. If this is the case, we shall see whether these guys are a flash in the pan or Americaï¿½s next favorite band. My nomination right now is for the latter. Mellow rock is more inviting than a bunch of black clad, Revlon sporting dilettantes prancing about and whining how they had to get record contracts because their parents cut off their allowance and kicked them out of the attic. Mellow down easy, man. Mellow down easy.

Full Article.

September 2005

Louisville Music News
September 01, 2005
Looking For a Niche
by JOHN BOHANNON

There are so many "indie" rock bands today, it's hard to distinguish one from another at times. It's becoming pop music all over again, because now even "alternative" music is starting to sound the same in many cases. When I was sent Between Two Lions' EP, I couldn't help but think the same thing. The New Albany, Ind., natives are playing music we've already heard for quite some time. But don't get me wrong - there is plenty of potential here. They are headed down the right path and they still have time to find where they are going.

Brett Engle is the creative force behind Between Two Lions and he is joined by longtime friends and collaborators Eric Moore and Todd Corley. On EP, the band recorded the songs live in the studio with engineer Tim Haertel at the helm, giving them a somewhat rough (but very real) sound. Engle writes songs about lost love ("Walking Awake," "Thief") and life ("Twenty-Four," "Put On a Shirt") that really are quite personal, which actually might have been better served by more careful production.

Apparently also in their catalogue they have an acoustic sessions album called The Tracy Sessions, which I would be interested hearing. Perhaps this is a band that decided to convert to electric, but whose true sound lies in a stripped-down acoustic vein, with spare accompaniment.

Between Two Lions seems as if it might be a band that hasn't quite found its niche. Their development evokes a vivid image of a band in the early stages of blossoming. If these guys just keep on doing what they are doing and keep on improving - who knows what lies ahead? For the time being, they've been compared with R.E.M., the Lemonheads and even John Mayer. If that's your cup of tea, this disc might just be worth a listen.

Find out more at www.betweentwolions.com. The band performs live September 8 at Air Devil's Inn.

Full Article.

Live from Uncle Pleasant's (11/11/2005)

2005-11-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

Hi.

We have posted a couple of brand new Between Two Lions songs that were recorded from the soundboard of our 11/11/2005 show at Uncle Pleasant's (w/ Jamie Barnes, Julie Gribble, and Gillis). The quality and mix are a solid B+, but should give everyone an idea of things to come.

More soon.

the new record

2005-11-02T13:47:00.000-05:00

Our first blog entry...

Well, the band is heading into the studio this fall to work on their first full release. Tentatively, the band is hoping for an early spring 2006 release.

The new material is exciting and different. The songs have more of a folk/roots flavor to them that can be attributed in part to the addition of new guitarist/pedal steel player, Todd's twin brother Tim, to the line-up.

More surprises to come.