anchorage and portland have a strange relationship. probably half the musicians in this town eventually emigrate to the city of roses. this adds up to a staggering number when you consider that it’s been happening since the late 90’s. cheap living, warm weather, progressive politics, and tourability assemble into PDX GIANT ROBOT and crush anchorage’s meager humans in every episode. while many transplants find success in new bands (skin culture, konami defense system, anatomy of a ghost, sleetmute nightmute, etc), it’s rare that a band conceived in the north can win new hearts (36 crazy fists and…uhm…).

the born losers were no exception to this rule. after relocating to portland in 2003, the future seemed bright. the band had a tight new rhythm section, explosive stage presence, and the will to make something happen. frontman ryan sollee worked tirelessly to book shows and promote the band. somehow, it never caught on. on subsequent anchorage visits the band was welcomed with open arms and rowdy, packed dance floors, but portland never seemed to care. after a few years of mediocre turnouts and tumultuous line-up changes, the born losers called it quits.

around the same time, sollee began gathering musicians (mostly former anchoragites) for a dark, archaic folk project. sollee called it a “funeral band.” a far cry from the born losers, the new music replaced searing growl with melancholy twang and urgent yelp with plaintive lament. the musicians cut their ties with electricity and used only acoustic instruments, which allowed them to play on streets, in backyards, and outside other venues. after a few changes and shifts in the roster, the band settled on a name: the builders and the butchers.

and then, somehow, portland started caring. in a town populated almost entirely by jaded music critics and completely saturated with young bands clawing over each other to reach the light, the builders and the butchers have people singing along, stomping feet, and clapping hands. music reviewers across the country are lauding their music and hoping for a tour outside of the pacific northwest. maybe their honesty and transparency is such a refreshing contrast to slit wrists and eyeliner that people can’t help but notice. maybe the novelty of marching death folk has created enough inertia to pull more and more fans to their shows. either way, it’s amazing to see a band being rewarded for simply doing what they love.

the builders and the butchers released their debut album in early 2007 on bladen co. records. luke ketner (again, anchorge -> portland) provided some awesome and intricate cover artwork. buy it on CdBaby, request it on KRUA (786-6807).

Artist: The Builders And The Butchers
Title: The Builders And The Butchers
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01 – The Night Pt. 1
02 – Red Hands
03 – Spanish Death Song
04 – Black Dresses
05 – Bottom Of The Lake
06 – The Gallows
07 – Bringin’ Home The Rain
08 – The Coal Mine Fall
09 – Slowed Down Trip To Hell
10 – The Night Pt. 2
11 – Ten Miles Wide
12 – Find Me In The Air