Devotchka

It is difficult to believe, but 21 years have gone by since DeVotchKa released its 2004 album, “How It Ends.” For many, this fourth full-length offering from the Denver-based foursome is a defining masterpiece. The rich blend of strings and folksong stylings, punk instincts, and cinematic soundscapes on How It Ends are woven throughout songs such as “You Love me,” “Twenty-Six Temptations,” and “Dearly Departed” continue to captivate listeners. Not the least of whom are filmmakers Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. Upon being introduced to the album, the two fell in love with the songs and enlisted the group to create the score for the film, “Little Miss Sunshine.” The film garnered four Academy Award nominations and was also nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Compilation Soundtrack.”  “How It Ends” was recorded at Wavelab Studio in Tucson (The Jayhawks, Calexico, Neko Case). The album’s parade of horns, strings, theremin, accordion, and piano was co-produced and engineered by Craig Shumacher, along with the group’s long-standing members Nick Urata, Tom Hagerman, Jeanie Schroder, and Shawn King. The original vinyl pressing, released via the band’s own label, Cicero Recordings, Ltd., has remained out of print for decades. Now, a newly remastered 20th anniversary reissue stands as a testament to the band’s timeless brilliance, ensuring that all of the emotive power of “How it Ends”.