I-Tunes Single of the Week We Are Augustines’ ‘Heading into the Abyss’

There must be some omnipotent substance or unidentified element in New York’s water supply as Brooklyn produces yet another phenomenal band. This week iTunes recognizes the We Are Augustines single “Heading into the Abyss.”

We Are Augustines have already drawn much anticipation and Internet buzz for their debut studio album. A look at the “Story” tab on their website (www.weareaugustines.com) provides ample evidence of the dues they’ve paid to see “Rise” bare fruit. The album has all the earmarks of an explosion with passionate lyrics, talent, and perhaps most influentially, a good story.

Billy McCarthy and Eric Sanderson make up the alternative folk-rock duo. Both are accomplished musicians, playing almost all the instrumental layers in the iTunes free single as well as in “Rise.”

McCarthy’s voice conjures sensory reproductions of Academy Award recipient Glen Hansard and England’s Grammy Award winner newcomers, Mumford & Sons. Growling notes from the legendary whiskey soaked voice of Tom Waits pepper the track as well.

“Heading into the Abyss” begins with a tinkering piano and raps on the snare drum to a military cadence. Bagpipe wails work the song into an energetic frenzy until a simple upbeat drum assumes control while grumbling vocals lead the melody.

The deliberately rough vocals blend well with the European ballad form of the song. Its well polished mix and quality production doesn’t entirely remove it from a naturally composed, honest representation of the band. Hand claps, the sway of a tambourine, and the bouncy piano equally share the stage with McCarthy as the song culminates in a lo-fi coda.

Though the derivation of the band’s name is so far unknown, or at least not well published, the Saint Augustine has developed quite a folk and indie following. Band of Horses and Califone both devoted songs to the late martyr.

Another pattern in the Brooklyn music scene are the power duo’s assault on the main stage like Matt & Kim, Sleigh Bells, MGMT, and MNDR. The indie’s have inherited Rock.