Music
Press
This Chapel Hill trio was one of the first three artists signed on UNC's Vinyl Records after finishing tied for second in the September Showcase battle of the bands. The crazy thing is that they have only been together for a couple of months.
They have a great folksy sound and singer Liz Ross has a voice that will melt your heart, I promise. You can check out some of their music at their Myspace page, the live recordings from their September Showcase here... Beautiful stuff. They're in the studio now working on their debut EP which should be out on Vinyl Records in January. - The Noise Bazaar
The flagship acts of two new local imprints, Terpikshore's Sunfold and Vinyl Records' Lafcadio, offer an intriguing glimpse at the variability of the area's upstarts... Lafcadio's own wistfulness, jangles through simplicity, dispersing country duets and solo laments. - Indy Weekly
...Lafcadio opened the night, delivering a handful of songs that channeled the greats of folk and rock ‘n’ roll.
And though the group continues to wear the influences of its predecessors not just on its sleeve but as the entirety of its shirt — flannel. The four-piece has finally gotten to the life force of its heroes as it delivered vibrant readings of Dylan’s speed-fueled blues and the soft country of such greats as Loretta Lynn.
And singer Liz Ross has the pipes to do it all. Owning the stage like she’d been touring for years, she belted it out with enough power to, at times, allow Lafcadio to seem less like the serviceable student band they are and more like a polished collection of local veterans... - Daily TarHeel
Formed just a week before UNC’s student-run Vinyl Records closed a competition to find its first three acts last September, Lafcadio scored a record deal with its first live performance and its three songs. They even rushed to pick out a name, which comes from the titular character of the Shel Silverstein fable Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back.
Initially a trio, guitarists/songwriters Liz Ross and Ryan Dowdy and drummer Steven Howell soon added bassist Eric Notarnicola. They’ve since played to a packed Local 506 for the release of its strong five-track EP, landed a slot at Shakori Hills and nearly won another competition—the Duke vs. UNC Battle of the Bands—in the subsequent seven months. Working on its full-length follow-up, the four students will take a well-deserved summer break following this show.
Don’t expect that to stop them, though: Lafcadio has been winning over audiences with its lively blend of rock and Americana, voiced by Ross’ soulful pipes and earworm melodies, which Dowdy follows in lockstep harmony. And it’s good enough to keep just doing that. With The Whiskey Smugglers. 10 p.m. —Spencer Griffith - The Independent Weekly
Discography
Lafcadio EP 2009
Photos
Bio
Formed in September 2008, Lafcadio is a foursome out of Carrboro, North Carolina. Members Liz Ross (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Ryan Dowdy (lead guitar, backup vocals), Stevie Howell (percussion) and Eric Notarnicola (bass guitar) mold their myriad influences into a folk-rock-blues fusion that appeals to listeners of all kinds. Dowdy and Ross combine their respective influences of Nick Drakes folk and Janis Joplin s blues-rock style, while Howell and Notarnicola add the punch that captures live audiences.
Their music fits the local indie-rock scene, but strains of country and sharp songwriting pervade Lafcadios songs to create a more distinct sound. Songs like Seven Leagues and No Man tell stories of individuals journeys, while Maria and Lord Knows cast powerful moods. The bands energy and musical effusion has helped them to quickly build a reputation for lively shows that belie tremendous talent and potential.
Lafcadio has played numerous venues in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Live performances have been featured on UNC-Chapel Hills Student Television, as well as the university-run radio station WXYC and several events on campus. Lafcadio released their first recorded effort, the self-titled EP, with Vinyl Records on January 30th. This strong first release filled the Local 506 to more than capacity, and should only continue the trend of their exponential growth in popularity over a few short months.
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