In Hong Kong there was once a walled city, Kowloon. An ungoverned 6-acre city within a city, home to 33,000 people. Urban density and decay in overdrive. A crush of tiny apartments. Trash and running water in the streets. Rare pools of light.
Yet life maintained. Amidst the darkness and back-alley operators. Against the cold stone, ash, and dust. An embodiment of the unplanned and unchecked, a mix of pessimism and isolationism, a Kowloon can grow within the mind before you know it. Twenty teetering stories of paralyzing uncertainty walled off from rational thought.
Kowloon was eventually demolished; a peaceful park of scenic gardens quietly rest in its place. Life maintains.
Kowloon is The Longwalls' 3rd release in as many years. It was recorded entirely on thier own in their rehearsal space and home studios.
Quotes
These songs soar and crash with astonishing grace. — Aiding & Abetting
The Longwalls evoke wintry discontent and hope springing eternal within the walls of their latest album, Kowloon... a lovely novella of an album. — The Owl Mag
The Longwalls have created a solid album that treats melancholy with a bit of twang, a pinch of grunge and a ton of heart. — mxdwn
The Longwalls capture the sound of a dusty repetitious highway and the lonely poetic spirit of adventure. — Mojophenia
At once unsettling, melancholic, and peaceful. Indeed, as the listener reaches the final track a feeling of tranquility has already been delivered. — Boston Music Vibe
Tracks
- Vaasa
- Big MT
- Long for Shipwrecks
- Liberty Bell
- Woods Pretty
- Kowloon
- Maybe Golden
- Bring me Peace
Credits
Alan Wuorinen – vocals, acoustic guitar, upright bass, pedal steel, synths
Kurt von Stetten – drums, cello, hand percussion, synths, backing vocals
Dan London – bass, acoustic guitar, mandolin, backing vocals (lead on "Bring me Peace")
Brandon Comstock – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo, synths, backing vocals (lead on "Shipwrecks" and "Woods Pretty")
Songs by Alan (BMI); "Shipwrecks" and "Woods Pretty" by Brandon (BMI); "Bring me Peace" by Dan (SESAC).
Music by The Longwalls.
Produced & Enginnered by Kurt von Stetten and The Longwalls at Arlington Music Studios and the Beat Dojo
Mixed by Owen Curtin with Marly Carre at Bridge Sound and Stage
Mastered by Eric Baird at Half Son of Audio
Design by Alex Budnitz
