After the small success of songs like 'Julias Morningstar' and 'Lightning' they brought on Dan Cochran (Big Back Forty, Feversmile) to round out on bass. The usual whirlwind of commitments landed the band at 3 for the release of JUNE 71 with Alan Beavers (Red Upholstery) solidly planted on bass. Leading up to a series of festival shows riding on the back of solid reviews and success of songs 'Glorious in Black' and 'Her Normal Courtesy' off of JUNE 71 Dave, Ed and Alan were happy to bring drummer Brian Kitzmiller (formerly of Ray's Music Exchange, Sparrow Bellows) in order to thrust Dave out from behind the drums. As the four put the final blushes on the 2012 double album release BLACK OWLS they welcomed Brandon Losacker (the Stapletons) as the guitar player that would truly flesh out the Black Owl sound. Followed sortly thereafter by Sammy Wulfeck (the Stapletons, Goose) on bass. Hundreds of shows, 3 full albums later, Black Owls are lining up the next release, going into the studio with Brian Olive to work on full analog reel to reel recordings.

When you put together 5 indy rock staples, each fully capable of creatively driving their own band, give 'em enough rope, you'll get such a band as this. Black Owls are creating that kind of imaginary rock and roll some dream about, and many strive for. Strange magic with candor and tension. Blunt and stripped down, but captivating. Drawing upon British Invasion, both classic and punk, as well as a very personal take on Americana heavy 70's gas. Lead singer (and former drummer) David Butler is a kind of peculiar, soap box Mennonite tenor. Cross David Byrne with Ian Hunter, and give him a pulpit. Deliverance of story, glamorous punk and gritty, in lyrics that though dark reveal a well kept irony and freshness. These are stories that you want to hear, delivered in a smart voice that doesn't speak down and lacks art house pretense. And they ride on the waves of heavy beat and immense guitar. The hook and ladder of Ed Shuttleworth's guitar range is so wide and yet it all manifests the "Black Owl Sound." That sound rests on the unique structures that Ed creates which uniquely reveal a perfect Gang of Four, the Who, Stones, Clash, Wire, Hoople, Stooges melange. They don't sound like any of these bands, but they sound like all of these bands, and that's their dirty little secret. Black Owls wear their influences on their sleeves, but they don't sound like anybody else. It is a rare earth mineral these days to find the songs that rock you, stick in your mind, and stir your soul. Play it again. - Denim Walton, F.R.E. Press

Instrumentation

David Butler - Lead Vocals

Ed Shuttleworth - Lead Guitar

Sammy Wulfeck - Bass

Brian Kitzmiller - Drums

Brandon Losacker - Guitars/Keys

Discography

BLACK OWLS (double album) July 2012

Nude with Gun E.P. April 2012

Classic Rock Magazine (UK) compilation - Oct. 2011

Aquabear Legion Ohio Rock compilation - July 2011

JUNE '71 - 2010

GLORIOUSLY NORMAL E.P. - May 2010

LIGHTNING MADE US WHO WE ARE - 2008

Midpoint Music Festival Compilation - 2008

The Indy Road Compilation - 2007