The Fire Marshals of Bethlehem

Formed in 2003 by guitarists John Croslin of the Reivers and Kevin Carney of the Wannabes, the Fire Marshals of Bethlehem named themselves for the punch line of a joke that begins, “Who decides when there’s no room at the inn?” Despite their moniker, the Fire Marshals ply a refined, melancholy brand of pop music that's a logical descendant of Croslin and Carney’s earlier bands and the mid-1980s Austin scene in general. Vocalist Julie Lowery, bassist Hunter Darby, drummer David Mider, and violinist Jenny Smith rounded out the band’s initial lineup, the singer and the stringer proving delineating factors in the band’s sonic pastiche. The sextet’s self-released, Croslin-produced debut, Songs for Housework, followed in 2005. Owing to their friendship with Austin musician-turned-TV-producer Rob Thomas, FMOB songs such as “Rabbit” and “Famous Lover” were heard on the TV series Veronica Mars later that year. After recording Housework, Croslin and Carney left to make way for former Way Outs guitarist Robbie Araiza and keyboardist John Ratliff. FMOB continue to perform live on occasion while recording material for their second album. Lowery, Darby, and Ratliff can also be seen in the Diamond Smugglers, an uproariously ribald Neil Diamond tribute band. – Greg Beets

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The World From the Back Seat

Songs for Housework (2005)