Joel RL Phelps & the Downer Trio

Joel RL Phelps & The Downer Trio (members of Silkworm, EARTH, SunnO))), Dama/Libra, Zebra Hunt)

Joel RL Phelps is a Montana born singer and songwriter who co-founded punky upstarts Ein-Heit in 82’ and then the legendary band ‘SILKWORM’ in 1987. After 3 albums he left to form ‘Joel RL Phelps and the Downer Trio’ with William Herzog (EARTH, Neko Case,Sunn0)))), Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter) and Robert Mercer (Zebra Hunt).
The band made 4 critically acclaimed albums and 2 EP’s. Joel disappeared for almost a decade then resurfaced with the exceptional album ‘GALA’ released on Damnably. 12XU & Triple Crown at the end of 2013.

“a very welcome return” Gideon Coe BBC 6Music
“I want a way to break that Nashville sound,” Phelps sings on Gala’s lead off track, and though he can’t break that mold for everyone, there’s no danger of the Downer Trio lazily aping an aesthetic. Phelps’s fuzzy guitar is more gristly than meaty on this loud/quiet/loud track, and his voice is as oddly endearing as ever, resembling Stephen Malkmus or Jeff Mangum in the way he goes from a seemingly disengaged baritone to a cracked, spine-tingling yelp. “Put some shoulder in it, boys,” he implores, and the band complies.” Joel Oliphant Pitchfork
"Joel R.L. Phelps has put out some of the most compelling 3:00am- and- a- bottle- o'- booze music around." - Jeremy Schneyer, Pitchfork
“...impressive blend of brooding post-punk, plaintive folk-rock and Crazy Horse guitar rock.” Don Yates KEXP Radio
“the most direct and rock-like work since his contributions to Silkworm.” Dusted
http://www.damnably.com/joel-r-l-phelps/
http://joelrlphelps.net/
https://www.facebook.com/TheDOWNERTRIO