Seattle has long been a hub for rock bands. Starting with Jimi Hendrix to the grunge bands of the early ‘90s to the Sub Pop indie rock revival in the past decade, Seattle has housed the best music of generations past. It should be no surprise that The Cave Singers, with their blend of alt-rock and folk, would be the next band to emerge from the Emerald City.

The Cave Singers are a three-piece outfit that knows how to rock. Rising from the ashes of Pretty Girls Make Graves after its disbandment in 2007, Derek Fudesco teamed up with Pete Quirk (of Hint Hint) and Marty Lund (of Cobra High) and began playing in the Seattle area. They were signed to Matador Records and put out their first two records on the label but are currently signed to indie label Jagjaguwar.

Recently, the outfit finished recording No Witch, which they’ve called their rock record. Recorded on tape with producer Randall Dunn (Black Mountain, Sunn O))), Boris), No Witch is grander and more lush than The Cave Singers’ previous efforts. It’s also a nervier, scrappier affair: greasy guitars buck and rear up; Eastern-influenced blues snake through songs; gospel choirs rise up like tidal waves.  This variation makes for an adventurous listen. The group’s influence on this album range from late ‘60s Stones, modern folk, dirty Delta blues and the emerging alt-folk genre. When you hear songs like “Black Leaf,” “Haller Lake” and “Haystacks” you will experience the joys of mystic lyricism and catchy riffs that are essential to making this album so good.

Though the album will be released February 22, you can go to Jagjaguwar’s site and download “Swim Club” to get a taste of what’s to come.

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