Ahleuchatistas
Wed Jan 8th 2008
The Same and The Other Re-issue on Tzadik

In February 2008, our second album THE SAME AND THE OTHER will be re-issued on Tzadik. This is the label founded in 1995 by saxophonist/composer John Zorn.

It is a great honor for us to become a part of this vital institution. The album will appear on Tzadik’s Composer Series. It has been re-mastered by the great Scott Hull and contains five previously un-released bonus tracks. There are new liner notes and Courtney Chappell’s original stunning artwork remains on the cover, looking better than ever in the Composer Series layout, with a package re-design by Chippy.

We have parted on good terms with NFI, who initially released this album in October 2004, and sincerely thank John and Matt for their support early on, and wish John good luck with the little one on the way.

The 12” vinyl for THE SAME AND THE OTHER is still available from Hello Sir Records, while supplies of this limited pressing last.

Tues Jan 1st 2008
5-25-30-40

Ahleuchatistas turns 5 years old in February 2008, and what a ride it has been! In a mystical twist of fate Sean turns 25 years old in March, Shane turns 30 in January, and Derek turns 40 in July. We could not have planned it better. So, I’d like to take a moment to briefly reflect on our fifth year, 2007, which was by far, somewhat ironically, the busiest here at Ahleuchatistas…

In the early winter months we recorded and mixed our fourth studio album, EVEN IN THE MIDST…

In the spring we played a handful of dates in the Eastern US, including a show in Montreal, Quebec.

In July, we spent a month in a van together, and played some 28 shows. We took a sweaty southern route out to the west coast, drove up it, and headed back through the mid-west.

In September, EVEN IN THE MIDST… was released by the one and only CUNEIFORM RECORDS. To celebrate we played 3 amazingly fun shows in our beloved home state of North Carolina. Then we took off to Europe for two weeks at the beginning of October, where we traveled by train, had the time of our lives, and played concerts in Germany, Holland, Austria, and Italy.

It seemed like things were winding down after the Europe trip, when we were surprised by the gracious return of the rights to our second album, THE SAME AND THE OTHER. It was mid-October, and we had not been back a week, when I sent a copy to TZADIK to see if they would be interested in re-issuing it (see above).

As the new album disseminated and the press rolled in (see press), our hiatus ensued. As the world burns our creative future looks bright.

Mon Sep 3rd 2007
Forthcoming and bygone...

Dear friends,
Our new album, "Even in the Midst...", comes out on September 18th on Cuneiform Records. We have three CD release shows in NC scheduled for 9/14, 15, & 16...Asheville, Greensboro, and Boone.

And, then we head to Europe on October 2nd for what promises to be a memorable trip, playing shows in Austria, Germany, The Netherlands, and Italy.

Our tour to the West Coast and back in July was a smashing success. We only lost about 500 bucks or so. It was a pleasure to meet some of you. This is an awfully large country we've got here.

The desert was pretty phenomenal. Cindy and her grandmother, Jean, were delightful company in Carefree, Arizona. The heat was oppressive in Phoenix and the staff at the club entirely uninterested in us. But, with all that heat it must be hard to even hold your head up.

Jeremy and Circe were the greatest in Seattle. We are glad they solved the issue with their building manager before we got there. As we were driving in to Seattle, it was pouring down rain and "Jeremy" by Pearl Jam was hoot-hoot-hooting on the radio. Now, I'm not trying to stereotype you people, just point out the collision of hyper-reality and geographic proximity, a necessarily ironic and futile gesture. Sean finally got to meet Sean (the band). Face to face at last. And Abodox. Musical destruction rained down on a small theater in Starbucks/No WTO!/Bill Gates Land.

I am happy to report that Santa Fe is spectacular. Especially, a little place called High Mayhem where the nicest people in the world made us feel at home. Our atlas said that the locals sometimes call their hometown Fanta Se (like "fantasy") because the city is constructed and arranged so as to get the most bang out of the tourist buck, all a sham, an inauthentic copy of some idealized provincialism. Kind of how I feel about Asheville these days. Nevertheless, some good peeps in Santa Fe. And it is very beautiful. Charming even.

Bill and Erica own Oakland. We brought all of our gear into the lobby of their apartment building both nights we stayed there. I appreciate an honest assessment of the likelihood of one's van being broken into and all the gear stolen in the middle of the night. The lake on Grand Ave is just over three miles in circumference. Here is where I learned that I still cannot run three miles. Henry and Weasel shred and many thank yous for joining us at 21 Grand!

Paul-Upsilon Acrux-Lai is an all around great guy. Los Angeles and San Diego were simply divine, and had Derek not broken his back the previous evening he would have told you so. Upsilon Acrux and Sleeping People were our sole touring mates for the entire trip, playing two nights in a row with us!

Saint Louis just keeps getting better. Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center, Mark and co., continue to cultivate one of the most interesting and important scenes in the country. I got to dork out about Joe Pass videos and Pat Martino with guys from Archaeoptyx and Animal (NYC lunatics). The Arts Center has had condos going in across the street from it for at least 3 years from what I gather. Every year the same sign: "Condos Coming Soon!" I hope they never finish them. There were, and certainly still are, "Condos Coming Soon!" signs in devastated parts of New Orleans. Those things are spreading like Greek wildfires here in Asheville. Come to think of it, didn't Tonic in NYC close down because of a condo infestation? Those things are dangerous. They are anathema to our sanctuaries of sonic creativity, and therefore a blight on all humanity.

Portland was fun. Nate DJs prog rock --Yes, Univers Zero, Gentle Giant--while people drink and socialize. Is this a great world or what? Vanessa, Jesse, and Brian were sweet and I finally got to visit them on their side of the country. Leaving the Pacific NW was a little bit sad really.

So much happened on that trip, too much to finish typing and thanking presently. Don't fret, however, because we videotaped every second of the entire month long odyssey. It was not enough to live it. Stay tuned...