Between Two Lions is an American rock band based in New Albany, Indiana. It consists of Brent Engle, Eric Moore, and brothers Todd and Tim Corley. In 2004, the band released their debut EP, Between Two Lions, and is touring throughout the Midwestern U.S. to promote their work.

In 2006, the band added Todd's twin brother Tim Corley to the lineup on electric and pedal steel guitar. As a quartet, the band recorded their first full length work, an LP called Put This City on My Shoulders.

Put This City On My Shoulders represents a whole new level of ambition from the band. The album tells the story of someone growing up in a small town; leaving to explore the world; then returning, resigned to the fact that he can never truly leave; and finally embracing that fact. Lyricist Engle’s feeling of attachment to the region is a common thread throughout his writing on the record.

In keeping with the spirit of the album’s title, the band chose an oil on canvas abstract painting by local Louisville artist and friend Michael Nicolas entitled “City”, for the album cover artwork. Engle makes no secret that the painting, with the words “Put this city on my shoulders” scribed across its canvas, was the inspiration for the album theme and title. In the album’s concluding track, Engle bookends the record with the statement, “I know I can lean on this town / when the time is right / and when the time is right / I’ll put this city on my shoulders”.

The band tapped Lexington, Kentucky, producer Duane Lundy to produce the album. Lundy’s work with other artists such as VHS or Beta and The Parlour Boys - coupled with his appreciation for the alternative country genre - led him to a chance encounter with Between Two Lions at one of their 2005 shows. Recorded at Lundy’s Lexington studio (Shangri-la Productions), the band set out to make the best record possible and make it on their terms.

A stark contrast to the “indie” rock appeal of their 2004 self-titled debut release, Put This City On My Shoulders is less straight-forward at times and has a more warm and intimate feel to it. Lundy creates this atmosphere through his use of an eclectic collection of vintage instruments, recording gear, and techniques; as well as a Nashville tuned acoustic guitar. With his experience and gear, Lundy’s “atmosphere” became the fifth member of the band during the recording process and ultimately sets this record apart from its peers.

Moore and Todd Corley provide percussion and bass, respectively, forming an understated yet consistent backing rhythm that provides a nice contrast to Engle’s acoustic guitars and vocal delivery, which are strong enough to stand on their own as a singer/songwriter type record. Tim Corley’s pedal steel and electric guitars provide a unique texture to the music and contribute to the overall distant rural atmosphere of the album.

External links

Between Two Lions Official Web Site