Straight White Teeth’s “Medicine Sword.” Image from the band’s Bandcamp.
In the wake of the breakup of his old band, Denver mainstays , Patrick McGuire began writing music for a new project, Straight White Teeth. Joined by girlfriend Ella Trujillo, who agreed to play the drums for the first time in 10 years in exchange for total creative control of its visuals, they’ve made a quiet but vibrant five-track debut.
Related: Listen to Flashbulb Fires on Steal This Track
“Medicine Sword” feels like a cleansing. Delicate arrangements of springy dance beats and folksy strings complement McGuire’s reedy vocals and introspective lyrics that dwell on identity, relationships and death.
Though the clearest difference from Flashbulb Fires is the addition of synths, it also distinguishes itself in its startling intimacy, which isn’t an easy feat in dance music. Sadly, McGuire and Trujillo are moving to Philly and taking Straight White Teeth with them. But even if for just a minute, we can savor “Medicine Sword” as a fresh, local flavor.
