The American Analog Set Reunite for First Shows in Nearly 20 Years

In the wake of last year’s 5-LP retrospective, New Drifters, the American Analog Set is reuniting for a special two-night stand at Rollins Theatre, Sept. 20-21.

Dubbed the Magic Hour, the bedroom-pop pioneers will perform a carefully curated set that spans from 1996’s The Fun of Watching Fireworks to 2005 sendoff Set Free.

“We’ve been spending a lot of time with the back catalog,” acknowledges frontman Andrew Kenny. “First thing to occur to me was how similar in vibe those first three American Analog Set records are. When you’re making the records, the new one is always the best one – it is your favorite. With all the time and distance since those releases, I’m really proud to look back and find such a consistent sound and vibe.

“We stayed on brand, sonically speaking.”

AmAnSet’s brand of indie rock – hushed, intimate, slowly coming into focus with the patience and haze of a Polaroid – has experienced plenty of renewed interest. The New Drifters box set, which re-pressed the band’s first three albums with loads of B-sides and rarities, earned critical acclaim. Likewise, Barsuk Records’ vinyl reissue of Home, Kenny’s split EP with Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard, repositioned the AmAnSet leader at the forefront of indie bedroom pop. Numero Group is also readying a box set of AmAnSet’s Tiger Style-era LPs.

Kenny and company – original members Jesse Lee (bass), Mark Smith (drums), Tom Hoff (keys, guitar), and Sean Ripple (vibes, vocals), with assistance from Ola Podrida’s Matthew Frank – have been quietly preparing for this moment. The band has been rehearsing in Kenny’s garage-studio for months, fine-tuning the set list.

“We most gravitated to the songs that evolved in the live shows over the years,” says Kenny via email. “Songs that surpassed the recorded versions and became better on tour are the songs we are excited to play with the Magic Hour.”

Just don’t expect to hear anything from last year’s surprise comeback, For Forever.

“Magic Hour is purely legacy material,” Kenny confirms. “For fans of our newest release, For Forever, they will have to wait for another performance.”

Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait much longer.