Misra Records announced their relaunch earlier this year, much to the joy of many a music nerd.  Misra’s known for releasing quality music from some of the industry’s brightest new talents, and it’s exciting to see Southeast Engine on that new roster. The quartet already has three releases under their belt, and are gearing up to release their fourth entitled Canary on March 29.

Canary is a product of the Midwest.  Written and recorded during the bitter winters in Athens, Ohio in 2010, Canary tells the story of a family surviving together during the Great Depression of 1930.  Though the subject matter may not seem personal the boys in Southeast Engine make it so.  There are songs about personal hardship, growing up, and attempting to sustain a family that fit into Canary‘s storyline as well as comment on life today.  Misra included the band’s single from the album “New Growth” on their Misra Legacy Compilation (which is free to download here).  “New Growth” reminds me of those long road trips to my grandparents’ house where we cut through the mountains, looping through and around huge forests.  It’s blend of indie-folk and traditional Midwest music projects a familiar tone into your ears and makes you feel like you’re home again.

Southeast Engines come to Chicago on February 19 at Schubas.  More details about the show can be found at Do312.  Additional tour dates are below.  Stream “New Growth” from Canary below.

2/18 – Athens, OH @ Casa Cantina
2/19 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas w/ Royal Pines
2/25 – Brooklyn, NY @ Rock Shop w/ Bird of Youth, The Collection Agency
2/26 – Boston, MA @ TT The Bears
2/27 – Philadelphia, PA @ M Room
3/23 – Lexington, KY @ Cosmic Charlie’s w/ James Toth of Wooden Wand
3/24 – Cincinnati, OH @ MOTR Pub
3/25 – DeKalb, IL @ House Café w/ Chaperone
3/26 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry
3/29 – Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern w/ Shannon Stephens
3/30 – Portland, OR @ The Woods
3/31 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
4/1 – Los Angeles, CA @ Satellite
4/2 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar w/ The Donkeys
4/3 – Tucson, AZ @ Solar
4/5 – Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
4/7 – Columbia, MO @ Mojo’s
4/8 – St Louis, MO @ Billiken Club (SLU) w/ Theodore
4/9 – Dayton, OH @ Canal St. Tavern w/ Motel Beds