The last we heard from Dean Wells, the creative force behind AGP favorites, The Capstan Shafts was last fall when he quietly released three 4-song EP's under the moniker Loud Springs. That is until last week when Wells returned as Rare High only to release 12 new tracks over three more EP's. We are sensing a pattern here, nonetheless the fuzzy low fi pop that he delivered with The Capstan Shafts and more recently with his Loud Springs project, is on full display throughout the new EP's. In fact you'll need to look no further than EP #1's opening track, Sullen Leers to be reminded of Wells' gift for crafting scrappy and endearing songs with undeniable pop hooks.
Just last night Dean was gracious enough to answer a few questions about the recording of the new material, forgoing record labels, and the possible future of The Capstan Shafts.
Bryan Hamill: What was the recording process for the material the ended up being released for the Rare High EP's?
Dean Wells: It's pretty straight forward really, once I've got a fairly good idea of the song I run through on guitar,add drums,then bass,then vocals. I record it all to 4 track from there I mix it down and start over.
BH: Do you have any plans for a physical release of the these EP's or does the Bandcamp model suit your needs better right now?
DW: There are no legitimate release plans right now. I like that Bandcamp has a complete absence of consequence, it reminds you to do it for fun.
BH: Just last year you released three 4-song EP's as Loud Springs and in the last week you've issued three more EP's as Rare High what is behind the name changes?
DW: It's nice to clean slate things, but then I'll listen to it all later and and it all sounds similar so I don't have a good answer.
BH: Your last live shows were in support of The Capstan Shafts 2010 LP Revelation Skirts, Do you have any plans to play these new songs Live?
DW: I can't seem to keep a band together or else I'd play out far more often than was healthy
BH: Have we seen the end of you recording as The Capstan Shafts?
DW: If I had a bunch of material that I wanted to put out under that name I wouldn't hesitate. For now I'm just having fun with other presentations and the idea that a collection can exist independent of any history, at least for me.
The Rare High EP's which can streamed below and are available as a pay what you want offering at Rare High's Bandcamp dojo, we recommend supporting Mr. Wells as well as these fine releases with a monetary donation of your choosing. Thanks to Dean for taking some time out of his Thursday night to answer these questions and for sharing these new songs with us.
Photo Credit: The Capstan Shafts @ T.T. The Bears 01/18/11, photographed by Brian Rutledge of Hallelujah The Hills
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