Rock Plaza Central fit a comfortable medium between the highly intense and erratic folk of artists like O’Death and modern (and much more sane) artists like Megafaun and David Karsten Daniels. In all cases, these artists push the boundaries of folk and Americana despite maintaining a fairly comfortable lineup of instruments. “Handsome Men”, for example, is packed with fiddle and features an introductory trumpet. It’s backed by crashing cymbals and punchy percussion and a subtle guitar.

What sets a song like Rock Plaza Central’s “Handsome Men” apart from its contemporaries is the continual repetition of lyrics Don’t you believe the words of handsome men. They’re the only words in the chorus and have noted inclusion in each verse. The only spot where the band strays is in the bridge. “Handsome Men” begins with humbled, minimal beginnings, but ends with immense sound that finds Rock Plaza Central at their best. This is how folk music should sound.

Rock Plaza Central heads out next month on tour with The Weakerthans, starting in Boston and ending in Madison, WI. You can see their string of dates below the feature track.

Rock Plaza Central: Handsome Men [mp3]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

RPC ON TOUR

9/16/09 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
9/17/09 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
9/18/09 New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
9/19/09 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
9/20/09 Philadelphia, PA – World Café Live Downstairs
9/23/09 Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Small’s Theatre
9/24/09 Detroit, MI – Magic Stick
9/25/09 Chicago, IL – The Bottom Lounge
9/26/09 Minneapolis, MN – Triple Rock
9/27/09 Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon