Another big local release to look forward to in early 2017: One of the most buzzed-about new Twin Cities bands of 2014-2015, Tyte Jeff, will issue its full-length debut on Jan. 21 and has lined up a release party that night in 7th Street Entry with guests TBA.
Led by Jeff Allen – formerly of beloved 2000s-era roar-rock band the Plastic Constellations -- Tyte Jeff started out as Allen's solo basement recording project, with songs he worked up between family and work commitments after the Plastic Constellations called it quits in 2008. The project turned into a full band last year with the release of a stellar six-song eponymous EP and subsequent live shows featuring Matt Johnson (ex-Me & My Arrow), Jeff Marcovis (Al Church's band) and Aaron Ripplinger.
With songs that looked back on being young and trying to be cool with a skeptical but envious eye, the EP's underlying themes will apparently carry over to the new LP based on its arousing title: "Lutheran Teens." The album's artwork includes an old photo of a teenage Johnson in his bedroom surrounded by Kurt Cobain posters, and another of Allen in full teen gawkiness snuggling with his Plastic Constellations bandmate Aaron Mader (aka Lazerbeak of Doomtree fame). We're feeling you, Jeff.
Here's the new album's opening track, "From the Mouths of Major Babes."
