Three brothers, Jennings, Van and Lain Carney, make up the band Pontiak. They have been releasing critically acclaimed albums on Thrill Jockey Records since 2004 and are leaders in current psychedelic art rock. In the summer of 2012 they finished recording a 7′ record, titled Heat Leisure, for Bronson Produzioni, an Italian Production Company. After sending the tapes to Italy for the 7″ release of Heat Leisure, Pontiak set out to produce a live version of the rearranged songs to be filmed in the field outside their studio compound. They invited their friends Greg Fox (Guardian Alien, Liturgy) and Steve Strohmeier (Arbourteum, Beach House) to play with them. They also invited film makers Adrian Muys, Scott Braid, and RJOIII to capture the performance, and Chefs Vaughn Skaggs and Eric Olsen to prepare food and pilot a hot air balloon.
Their friends came as far away as New York, North Carolina and Baltimore to be part of the experience. Everyone arrived the night before the performance. Chef Vaughn prepared an amazing meal, lots of wine was consumed and the musicians hit the studio. They played into the night and at some point the songs may have been rehearsed. They woke early, fresh and ready to play. In the 102 degree heat, the jams were louder and heavier. Everything was recorded to two track 1/4 inch tape. They were surrounded by two dozen horses. Cases of beer came and went. When sundown darkened the horizon, the insects joined in as well. In April, 2013 the film premiered as an official selection at the Chicago International Music and Movies Festival. ✪
