Photo by Shana Novak

We rarely like the sound bytes that publicists put out to describe their acts. We were, however, somewhat smitten with what the Castanets; PR teams said about their newest album:

Castanets' In ‘The Vines’ is partly based on a Hindu fable about being trapped in an inescapable fate, with death and the limitations of our physical lives closing in from all corners. The other half of the inspiration for In The Vines is the wandering that's typified most of Castanets' Ray Raposa's life. From years on the road faking Greyhound passes, to moving to the Virgin Islands as a parentless teenaged professional surfer, to keeping tabs on expatriate journalist parents, Raposa's life has been one of back seats and rest stops.

Which is, of course very awesome and mysterious sounding, but more importantly tells you NOTHING about how the album sounds. We’ve been a fan of the Castanets (aka, the work of Raymond Raposa) since we listened to ‘First Light's Freeze’. Labels from “gothic country” to “freak folk” have been used to describe the Castanets’s sound. Despite those rather imposing titles, we like the Castanets. A lot. It’s mellow music that has a driving edge to it (hey, we’re in good company, with fuzzy terms discussing this music). Like much of the music on their label, Asthmatic Kitty, the Castanets bring a very new sound to mainstream music. It’s good. Raymond Raposa was kind enough to answer a few questions for us from the road. We can’t wait until he relocates here. In the meantime, we, and you, will content ourselves with checking out their show at Café du Nord tonight.

Favorite song to perform?
Waylon Jennings' "Mental Revenge". Bob Dylan's "New Pony"

Where are the best fans?
In the front row. Usually. Passed out in their friend’s car sometimes.

Lamest crowd request?
"Turn it up"?

Favorite thing about your own music?
What it asks. What it reveals. What it holds back.

What's it like to be on the Asthmatic Kitty label?
Truly, truly, great. I love everyone there with all of me.

What music are you listening to these days?
Freeway. Daniel Higgs. Lichens.

The Castanets play at Cafe du Nord 1/21// show at 9// tickets $10

Name
Raymond Raposa

Introduce yourself in one sentence
In the process of renewal.

Age and Occupation
20something. I make songs.

Home Town
USA

Have you lived in the Bay Area?
I have never lived here but I absolutely will at some point in life, yes. I always liked the sound of Potrero Hill

Favorite place to spend time online
eh.... ILX?

Favorite local business
Gilman St

What I'm currently Reading
John Fante. Again.

Best Deal in San Francisco
Food Not Bombs

Favorite mode of transportation
NYC subway

Best Band or Musician to come out of the Bay Area
Hickey. Hands down.

Favorite Bay Area Stereotype, and whether or not you buy into it
I don't know, dreadlocks?

Favorite local hangout
Whichever house is kind enough to host us.

SF has the BEST
Burritos in this state outside of SD