Dirty Linen Reviews "WORK & SLEEP" issue #111 (April/May 2004) Unexpected touches take this one beyond the default raised-on-Waylon-and-the-Allmans sound, including the bizarre but effective distrotion.... lots of odd rhythms, tight songwriting (all 11 tracks are credited to the band), and Hamilton's dusty-leather voice. A thoroughly captivating debut. ------------- Austin Chronicle Reviews "WORK & SLEEP" 11/21/03- 3 1/2 stars! "Singer Claire Hamilton spins these Carveresque yarns in a voice that can be Chrissie Hynde coy or Neko Case soulful, without fully belonging to either rock or country. Similarly, her cohorts...navigate the gnarled web of roots with professionalism and precision. ...The Breathers' expert eye for detail and impressive ability to infuse even the most mundane situation with an earthiness that's impossible to fake." ------------- The Daily Texan Reviews "Work And Sleep"10/07/03 "The Breathers are a hard band to pigeonhole. Fronted by Claire Hamilton, an emigrant of the 'california soul' scene, the Austin-born four piece floats outside the standard rock box...Each fractured attack and psychedelic wave merges fluidly with the choppy ebb and flow of 'Work And Sleep" ------------- Austin360.com (from the Austin American-Statesman) 9/23/03 The Breathers are recommended as the show to go and see - they say the band "both rocks and grooves (and might have a little cool - not smooth - jazz layered beneath somewhere)" ------------- Austin Chronicle "TCB" rates the Breathers TWICE for 2003 1/02/04 - Claire Hamilton recognised as a bad a** rockin' chick - "Work And Sleep" album "hit the mark right outta the chute" ------------- Austin Chronicle The Breathers make the "TEXAS TOP TEN" CRITICS POLL 1/02/04 one of the "10 Locals y'all slept on" for the album "Work And Sleep" ------------- KUT Radio Austin The Austin Music Minute 2/13/04 The Breathers were the featured band at this wonderful Austin station. ------------ QUOTES...... "I just got back from Japan and what did I find in my mailbox? The Breathers CD. You guys are really amazing." - Erik Hargrove, drummer for James Brown "The Breathers is brave and feral music from the flesh pit of the working class." - Guy Forsyth "I love Claire's music!" - the late Dr. Timothy Leary ------------ Claire Hamilton, the heart of the band, is a truly unique guitarist and singer. Everything about her approach and delivery is drenched in life. She deilvers honest lyrics and soulful, intriguing songs with a graceful and powerful voice. The Breathers' moody panorama of classic guitar tones delves into psychedelic spaghetti western, Stax on acid. Landis Armstrong on guitars makes it happen. His tasteful playing in a wide range of styles gives 'The Breathers' their unique sonic texture. Landis has had a busy musical history, and currently also plays in Bingo-playing legends the EL Orbits, as well as the smooth, instrumental McLemore Ave. Javier Dura plays the bass with a natural laid back feel that only a true spaniard could produce Eldridge Goins on drums brings a subtle grace and great dynamic to The Breathers. Eldridge plays a deep pocket, referencing styles from jazz to gutbucket rock and roll. He rolls the groove naturally- his ear for the music and heavy chops reside hand in hand.