Takka Takka

A warm combination of folk-inspired songwriting and indie rock instrumentation characterizes the music of Brooklyn's Takka Takka, who formed in 2004 after bandleader Gabe Levine (vocals, keyboard, guitar) relocated to New York from Texas. The band's early lineup also included drummer Conrad Doucette, bassist J.P. Jones (replaced by Grady Jurrens in 2006), and guitarist Damion Jurrens (replaced by Rene Planchon and Drew Thurlow in July 2007). After recording the debut album We Feel Safer at Night in the band's native Brooklyn, Takka Takka spent the latter half of 2006 touring alongside indie rock upstarts Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Jones left the band upon their return to New York and was replaced by Damion's brother, bassist Grady Jurrens. The reformed band entered Brooklyn's Seaside Lounge to record a follow-up to their self-issued debut; the resulting EP, Talk Faster, was released in early 2007. Shows in the U.K. and a high-profile set at the 2007 South by Southwest festival heightened the band's profile, and Ernest Jenning Recording Co signed Takka Takka that May. A re-release of We Feel Safer at Night — packaged alongside the three-song Talk Faster — followed in September.