With Their New Track, the Maldives Invite You to Enjoy "Tequila Sunday"

The Maldives' new album, Listen to the Thunder, drops locally August 25 (and comes out everywhere else September 15), and to celebrate, the Maldives will play a three-day stint at the Tractor Tavern -- in celebration of both the Tractor's 15th anniversary and the band's new album -- Thursday, August 27 to Saturday, August 29. To soothe the cravings for more sweet, sweet country tunes, you can listen to and download one of the new tracks, "Tequila Sunday," right now (just click on the track name).

I just managed to procure myself a copy of the album, and I can tell you that it's the Maldives' same style of homespun country music we've grown to know and love -- not the foo-foo indie-rock-with-an-accent that Seattle (not to mention the rest of the country) has been wetting its pants over for the past three years. This is music for people who worship at the feet of Gram Parsons, Son Volt and Whiskeytown. And yet, good as the album is, the Maldives are best experienced live -- the nine-piece band makes a much bigger sound onstage than they ever could on a piece of plastic -- so if you like what you hear, make a point to check out one of their shows next month (or catch their set at the Doe Bay Music Festival August 15). Finally, they'll be playing an in-store at Sonic Boom in Ballard on August 29, for all you underage folks.