Catching up with Les Gruff and Macrobliss

Les Gruff and the Billy Goat has dropped another preview of its upcoming album onto Soundcloud. This time, it's a track called Walking Home Alone.

The band finished recording its self-titled second album shortly after being named the co-winner of Sun Valley Jams' Battle of the Bands #2 in June. It plans a CD-release party Sept. 26 at Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave. in St. Louis. Les Gruff and the Billy Goat will share the stage with the Cara Louise Band, Benjamin Sturdevant and Marie and the Americans.

In the meantime, Les Gruff and the Billy Goat has a show coming up Saturday at Foam, 3359 S. Jefferson Ave. in St. Louis. Also on the bill is Strangled Darlings, a national touring act from Portland, OR.

Les Gruff and the Billy Goat's first album, A Cup of Coffee an Apple & A Suicide, is available at Amazon.com.

Fellow Battle #2 co-winner Macrobliss, meanwhile, is working on material for a debut album, according to guitarist Josh Feeney. Feeney also announced on Facebook today that Macrobliss is planning an appearance at the Pageant. He said details will be announced later.

Both bands will appear at the SVJ Battle of the Bands Finale on Sept. 6.