Jeff Gorman and Jake Cochran met in 2010 at a Flaming Lips show, and shortly afterward began churning out quality tunes in their local Harrisonburg, VA music scene, in addition to “splitting time between organic farming and touring with several bands by bicycle.” Their joint effort Illiterate Light was formed in 2015, immediately showing itself as a highly capable project with both the potential to unleash stadium-sized rock as well as sparse beauty. A mutual love for songwriting and the recording process makes the audible chemistry strong here, as is evident on new single “Chest II (Living and Dying)”, a standout effort that blends Fleet Foxes-like vocal harmonies (serene and earthy in their overlapping bliss) with vintage guitar work that would make nostalgia revivalists like War on Drugs proud. It results in a perfect hybrid between naturally developing beauty and immediate guitar-crunch contagiousness. “Chest II (Living and Dying)” is a fantastic single from a group who’s bound to make waves this year and beyond.
The duo just completed a 3-week East Coast tour. Starting in August they said they’ll essentially be living on the road, with potential plans for Europe or Japan shows.
Saw these guys in Richmond, VA at Strange Matter and was wowed by their big sound and unique arrangements. And they have good stage presence mojo.