Those Far Out Arrows, Part Time Lizards (2018, High Dive)

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

This is the first album world premiere presented by Lazy-i in its 20+ year history, and it make sense that it’s for Those Far Out Arrows since I’ve been following the band for a number of years. 

The album, Part Time Lizards (The name is more about attitude than anything), was recorded in January over three days at Omaha’s ARC Studios with the talented Adam Roberts.

“We took two days to record and used the final day as touch up and to do the mixing,” said Evan Keelan-White. who shares the guitar/vocals chores on the record with brother Ben Keelan-White. The band is rounded out on the recording by bass player Derek LeVasseur and drummer Tanner Rogerson. 

The 10-track album reaches back to the psychedelic past for its influences from such bands as Them, Flaming Groovies, Crazy Horse, Velvet Underground and Brian Jonestown Massacre, while adding a modern twist that takes the sound out of the garage and onto the stage. It’s music to Frug to — or you can simply wag your head to its shaggy beat. 

Lyrically, the songs’ inspirations were drawn partly from Ben’s own personal life and road experiences; meeting and observing people and places all over the country. “Some songs have politically introspective elements about the state of current affairs; I guess just as a natural response to the times we live in,” Ben said. “Overall, the songs to me are intended to make people think positively, as well as feel good and possibly allow people to project their own perspectives onto them.”

Kansas City’s High Dive Records announced it signed the band back in July. The label originally focused on KC and Lawrence bands, but has expanded its focus with a roster that also includes such acts as Dressy Bessy, Shy Boys, The Burning Peppermints and The Whiffs. TFOAs connected with High Dive through Arc Flash and Psychic Heat, who also are on the label. 

“We were able to get Jeff McCoy (at High Dive) to take a chance and put this record out for us,” Ben said. “It was a lot of work in the making, but really showed us what it takes to work side-by-side with a label.  Everybody is working and putting in long hours to make this release go as smoothly as possible.”

The record drops tomorrow, Nov. 2. The official album release show is Saturday night at The Brothers Lounge with Rusty Lord and Tyrone Storm, where you can pick up your copy on vinyl. 

The band also is having album release shows in Kansas City: Nov. 9 at The Brick and Nov. 10 at Mills Record Co.

Of course you can just order it online here at the High Dive Bandcamp page. Comes in limited edition green splatter vinyl, black vinyl, compact disc and cassette. Without further ado, here’s Part Time Lizards:

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2018 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

Omaha’s Those Far Out Arrows have signed to KC label High Dive Records.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Kansas City’s High Dive Records today announced they’ve signed Omaha psych-rock band Those Far Out Arrows.

“Hailing from the Great Plains of America, Those Far Out Arrows reject the vacuous slogan of ‘Nebraska nice’ and deliver a bipolar pounding that is equal parts Crazy Horse and first wave punk,” said the release. “High-fiber grits served with a wink and a smile. Lyrics that question the status quo, shouts for answers, and declarations of indifference. Realizing that the only thing that matters is bringing the rock and leaving stains.”

High Dive Records was founded in 2013 by Jeff McCoy and originally focused on KC and Lawrence bands, but is in expansion mode. Their roster includes Dressy Bessy, Shy Boys, Fourth of July, The Burning Peppermints and The Whiffs.

TFOA’s Evan Keelan-White said they knew of the label through their friends’ bands, Arc Flash and Psychic Heat, both of which are on the High Dive roster. “I thought we’d give it a shot. (Jeff) dug the music and is really helping us out,” Keelan-White said.

He said the band’s High Dive debut was recorded in January and plans call for its release in October followed by work on a follow-up LP in November.

So is he excited about the signing? “Yeah for sure,” Keelan-White said. “I’ll be more excited once I finalize this October tour. But it’s getting there.”

If you haven’t heard these guys, you really need to. They’ve been kicking around since at least 2014 with an ever-evolving sound that would be right at home on the In the Red/Goner labels. Their low-fi approach combines styles as diverse as Them, Velvet Underground, Brian Jonestown Massacre and Flaming Groovies.

They’re scheduled to play Pet Fest at the Petshop Aug. 11, and Brothers Lounge Aug. 23 with Jason Steady and Okie act Cucumber & The Suntans.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2018 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.