On The Verge

New Beard

Photo by Joel Barhamand

Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beards and Tubas
www.newbeardcity.com

New Beard oozes eclecticism for many reasons, but perhaps the band’s most striking characteristic was born out of a friendly suggestion. “A friend of mine from France suggested that we try tuba instead of bass and on my first try, I found TubaJoe Exley,” says frontman Ben Wigler, who emphasizes the importance of Exley. “Joe’s tuba stands as a symbol of a band that deeply cares about providing something different—making beautiful, thoroughly non-gimmicky music.” New Beard City, the first full-length from this newly minted five-piece (after adding a saxophonist in March) harnesses influences from across the board: progressive to indie rock, folk to jazz, both obscure and spontaneous. New Beard’s sound and style has much to do with its everyday surroundings. In fact, Wigler credits New York City for the band’s very existence. “The lyrics and vibe of New Beard City are all about the ecstasy of returning to NYC after a long three years in North Carolina,” he says. “We are all deep, devoted lovers of the city—the smells, the chaos-bordering-on-rage, but also the beauty, the incomparable diversity and secrets of the city. This band could have only formed here.”