The sound of Cape Town South Africa’s Civil Twilight is difficult to put a label upon. Hints of U2 and Radiohead seep from the band’s pours, with a style of melancholy rock that would make Morrissey proud. Based around the riveting vocals of frontman/bass player Steven McKellar, the band’s haunting sound brought them to Williamsburg for a performance at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. Running through select tunes from their 2009 self-titled release as well as their acclaimed latest album, “Holy Weather” released in March, Civil Twilight’s 14 song set shined a spotlight upon the talented band’s proficiencies.

Formed as a three piece outfit by brothers Andrew and Steven McKellar, the band joined with high school classmate Richard Wouters before moving to Los Angeles in the middle of 2005 and recently has added a fourth member- Kevin Dailey on keys- thus far while touring. Although they were in the New York City area as recently as February for a show at Joe’s Pub, the band made another stop back in June to serve the Manhattan fans. Fortunately for us, LocalBozo.com was able to catch three of the four members of Civil Twilight backstage at the Knitting Factory, where we sat down for an exclusive interview. Intertwined with some live performance footage, watch as we discuss the band’s favorite rituals in New York City, building a following in South Africa and here in the United States, where the band’s music is headed, and so much more. For band information and tour dates for Civil Twilight, make sure to check out civiltwilightband.com

- Jane Van Arsdale