Creatures of Habit LP CD

Released February 7, 2014.

Produced by Bryce Goggin (Antony and the Johnsons, Apples In Stereo, Swans, Dean & Britta), it was recorded live to tape at Trout Recording in Brooklyn during the fall of 2013. Creatures of Habit was mastered by Fred Kevorkian (Willie Nelson, The Walkmen, The White Stripes, Iggy Pop).

The album features sparkling tunes with off-kilter rhythms and warm guitar/cello accompaniment to Robertson’s rough-hewn vocals, delivered with a slight quaver that belies his heartache. Standout tracks include the title track, “Radiator,” and “Violet,” named for the producer’s daughter. “Radiator is about a cold, lonely Chicago winter. The song is based on me telling the story of a broken relationship to my broken radiator. The song also touches on the Carl Sandburg's poem ‘Chicago’ with a line I borrowed, ‘The City of Big Shoulders'" explained Robertson. ‘Violet’ was originally written as a punk rock song—as punk rock as The Damn Choir can get. "We were demoing all tracks and sending them to Bryce. He heard the song, and wanted us to change the lyrics and the melody. We changed the whole feel of the song thanks to our new drummer, Marty Kane.”

In addition to his production duties, Goggin also sang back-ups and played keyboards on the album. The band spent months doing pre-production with his guidance, polishing the songs and arrangements. Arriving at Trout, the band was greeted by a large open room (no control room or isolation booth for vocals) and recorded everything live, augmented by Goggin’s array of outstanding vintage gear.

Track Listing:

Creatures
Radiator
Morning Glory
East Bay
Devil's Frown
The Town With You In It
Surgery
Built For Two
Butcher
Say You Will
Under The Gun
Run For Water
Violet