WPTS Music

Wagon Christ

2011-04-15T09:27:00.001-07:00

Artist- Wagon Christ
Album- Toomorrow
Label- Ninja Tune

Luke Vibert, is a British electronic artist who records under the aliases Wagon Christ or Plug. Wagon Christ features a lot of cool, funky hiphop samples over laid-back beats (in the way that the Beastie Boys sample, for example). Overall, it’s a cool laid-back album.. A lot of the hiphop samples are jokey – “get on the dance floor” type of 80’s/90’s thing but overall it’s not too bad. The closest comparison I have for this is Squarepusher or Plaid. WC deftly weaves samples together in an interesting way that always holds my attention.

Wild Palms

2011-04-15T09:26:00.001-07:00

Artist- Wild Palms
Album- Until Spring
Label- One Little Indian

Despite being signed to One Little Indian, home to Bjork, Wild palms aims for an 80’s stadium rock sound not unlike 80’s era U2. The singer tries for that emotive, yearning quality but just doesn’t seem to get it. The guitar and bass often are intertwined, sounding a bit like newer band Warpaint. In the end, Wild Palms is too derivative (even their name is cribbed from Twin Peaks) and too wimpy.

EMA

2011-04-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Artist- EMA
Album- Past life Martyred Saints
Label- Souterrain Transmissions

Erika M. Anderson, formerly of the noise-folk groups Amps for Christ and then Gowns, strikes out on her own with an eerie album of freaky guitar feedback and raspy vocals. EMA is great at riding the line between quiet and loud, sounding at times like early Cat Power and PJ Harvey or Kim Gordon. “Milkman” is a fuzzed-out stomper, while “Marked” has Erika singing over some creepy as hell guitar string scratching. This album is definitely weird, but at the same time it makes for a captivating listen.

RIP LCD Soundsystem

2011-04-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Goodbye to one of WPTS' longtime favorites

Arc in Round

2011-03-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Artist- Arc in Round
Album- Diagonal Fields
Label- Uniform

Formerly named Relay, this newly renamed Philadelphia 4-piece makes shoegazey yet noisy indie-rock. Dream-pop, but still experimental and heavy on the references to rhythms of classic Krautrock sound. The rich textures on this CD are its true charm – Jeff Zeigler’s vocals are heartfelt without bullshit melancholy, riffs are soaring without being too cloying. Kurt Vile randomly shows up to play trumpet on the final track (“Slow Ceiling”) – by far the most experimental tracks but it’s also very pretty. “Spirit” is the most straightforwardly dreamy & poppy song of this 5-track EP, but I prefer the more interesting layers of “3 A.M.” or “Follow” personally. Excellent semi-debut.

Yelle

2011-03-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Artist- Yelle
Album- Safari Disco Club
Label- Co-op

The French synth-pop threepiece is back with another album of fun chirpy tunes, following up on their 2007 debut Pop-Up. Singer Julie Budet’s calmed down a bit since her previous release: gone are the bratty sexual rhymes of “Je Veux Te Voir” (a song making fun of a particularly chauvinist male rapper’s genitals). Instead, the dance-pop on this album is darker and more emotive.

The Curious Mystery

2011-03-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

Artist- The Curious Mystery
Album- We Creeling
Label- K

The sophomore release from this Olympia-based band (practically a requirement for K Records) is a rich exploration into 60’s psychedelic and smoky atmospheric garage guitars, produced by Karl Blau. Vocals are evenly split between of (desolate)Nicolas Gonzalez and (lovely, breathy and yearning) Shana Cleveland, though it’s best when the two combine. The music has a desert vibe, almost shimmering at time, the guitars sometimes joined by sitars and mellotrons. It’s neo-psychedelic and drifting at times, but the instrumental bits of songs feel nicely-paced.
For fans of: the 60’s, Wye Oak, Desolation Wilderness, Fungi Girls, K Records.

Boats

2011-03-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Artist- Boats
Album- Cannonballs, Cannonballs
Label- Kill Rock Stars

Cute Winnipeg band released second album of indie-pop on Kill Rock Stars. A reviewer describes them as “the Arcade Fire without the drama”; I’d agree except that singer Mat Klachefsky’s vocal delivery recalls both Daniel Smith (aka Danielson) and Mac McCaughan (Superchunk). It’s nasally, in short. These songs are spastic and twee, featuring cheap keyboards and xylophones.

Adebisi Shank

2011-03-22T12:32:00.002-07:00

Artist- Adebisi Shank
Album- This is the Second Album by a band named Adebisi Shank
Label- Sargent House

Adebisi Shank is a cool, instrumental math/post-punk threepiece band out of Ireland. It has a lot of finger-tapping, angular postpunk rhythms, and funky bass. It basically sounds like Holy Fuck meets Hella or Battles, filtered through some 8-bit noise – experimental with a math rock base. I think my main qualm is that one of the songs is literally titled ‘(-_-)’. Conor O’Brian of Villagers guests on “Europa” but his vocals are mixed way down.

R.E.M.

2011-03-22T12:32:00.001-07:00

Artist- R.E.M.
Album- Collapse into Now

R.E.M. is still trying to appeal to college kids? The 80’s are over, dudes. The best parts of this album simply sounds like retreads of songs from decades past. This album is most successful when going the ballad route – “Walk It Back” is a nice mature song all around. Unfortunately, it’s not clear where R.E.M. is going with this album – it clings to their old sound while a few songs are too aggressive and not very R.E.M. in nature.

Little Scream

2011-03-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

Artist- Little Scream
Album- The Golden Record
Label- Secretly Canadian

Featuring members of Silver Mt. Zion, The National, and Arcade Fire at times, it’s clear that Little Scream aka Laurel Sprengelmeyer has friends in high places. For most of her debut album, she plays most of the instruments, switching deftly between guitar, synths, vocals, and loops. The first two singles, “Cannons” and “The Heron and the Fox”, show the range of Little Scream. The former was neat layered echo-y effects and guitars (vaguely recalling Land of Talk), while the later is soft and acoustic like a Sharon Van Etten or a Cat Power track. “Guyegaros” has a Patti Smith-talking vibe and lo-fi chords.

The Deer Tracks

2011-03-18T11:58:00.002-07:00

Artist- The Deer Tracks
Album- The Archer Trilogy Pt. 1
Label- The Control Group

The Deer Tracks is David Lehnberg & Elin Lindfors, two dudes from a small town in Sweden, who may soft and pretty music that sounds like Múm. Their best tracks on this EP have Elin’s nice, but clearly Scandinavian, voice high in the mix and programmed (yet weirdly organic) beats that prevent the songs from sounding too slow and atmospheric.

Carnivores

2011-03-18T11:58:00.001-07:00

Artist- Carnivores
Album- Chandelier EP
Label- Double Phantom

A new EP from my favorite Atlanta indie band (after 2 full-lengths in 2010)! I am always thoroughly surprised that this band is not more well-known. This EP finds Carnivores getting away from their spunky-spastic style and moving towards psychadelic-pop. It’s not as rocky, but the songs are still rich in texture. Catchy as always, this is another great release by Carnivores.

The Dodos

2011-03-14T18:06:00.002-07:00

Artist- The Dodos
Album- No Color
Label- frenchkiss*

The Dodos are back with album 3!!!! Meric Long and Logan Kroeber realized that having a third member and too-glossy production dragged down 2009’s LP Time to Die. Back to a guitar/drum duo, No Color is a return to the rawness that marked their debut Visiter. Neko Case provides guest backing vocals on about 5 tracks here as well, but she never crowds the band. The Dodos’ strength has always been their reliance on terrific drumming that provides a solid backbone to their indie-folk sound.
The LP opens with “Black Night”, a song with wondrous momentum and a perfect introduction for new fans. “Sleep” has a trance-like quality that perfectly reflects the song’s name. “Going Under” is raucous (Dodos go electric!) and is great, though it’s 6 minutes long. The Dodos’ new album is a true delight – not perfect by any means, but rhythmic, poppy, and energetic all in one fell swoop. Play this.

Tony Castles

2011-03-14T18:06:00.001-07:00

Artist- Tony Castles
Album- No Service EP
Label- Famous Class

This debut EP sounds like Wavves meets chillwave with a Caribbean influence – they’ve toured with Fool’s Gold for a comparison band. Energetic male vocals (a bit like Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend) and heavy bass riffs meets dancehall influences. “New Brain” recalls the fun Afro-pop of the Dirty Projectors, while “Adequate Sheen” has some nice hazy synthesizers. I dig this type of African-influenced jangly guitar stuff, and I’m glad that Tony Castles goes beyond the typical Vamp Weekend-ripoff and creates their own sound – one informed by chillwave as much as it is Public Image Ltd.

Stateless

2011-03-14T18:05:00.001-07:00

Artist- Stateless
Album- Matilda
Label- Ninja Tune

Stateless is a British band that combines electronic beats with echoey indie-rock accompaniments and the sampling elements of trip-hop. Mostly, the singer’s RnB voice dominates each track. “Ariel” has kind of a trip/hiphop mood to it with a cool Saharan guitar vibe. I think that this album needs to be listened to all at once, and it simply doesn’t make for great radio singles.

The Megaphonic Thrift

2011-03-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

Artist- The Megaphonic Thrift
Album- Decay Decoy
Label- Sonic Unyon

The Megaphonic Thrift (ft. members of Casiokids and Stereo) loves 90’s groups like Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth (poppy, Geffen-era Sonic Youth, that is). That said, The Megaphonic Thrift does a pretty great Sonic Youth impression if you can look past its derivativeness. This album by the Norwegian band is full of feedback, yet the sound is clean and clear. The album combines blistering noise (the band is known for their wall-of-sound live shows) with a sharp knack for melody.

BOAT

2011-03-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Artist- BOAT
Album- Dress Like Your Idols
Label- Magic Marker

Boat (not to be confused with Kill Rock Stars band Boats) is a band from Seattle on their fourth LP. It’s kind of slacker 90’s indie rock in the style of early Modest Mouse or Pavement. Crunchy guitars, singalong choruses, catchy hooks. This album is nicely produced but still has an indie sound – so 90’s.

Six Organs of Admittance

2011-03-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

Artist- Six Organs of Admittance
Album- Asleep on the Floodplain
Label- Drag City

Six Organs of Admittance is primarily the project of guitarist Ben Chasny, a major player in the freak-folk scene of the early 2000’s (notably memorialized in the 2004 compilation Golden Apples of the Sun curated by Devendra Barnhardt). On his fifth album for Drag City, Chasny strays away from the oft-cutesy BS side of freakfolk and instead turns melancholy and images of the drifting American west. Chasny’s gentle voice and fragmented lyrics never overpowers the simple and sometimes psychedelic guitar pickings. SOOA’s new album is a spacious work, and anyone who digs Devendra Barnhart, Jack Rose or Sir Richard Bishop should check this out.

Anna Calvi

2011-03-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

Artist- Anna Calvi
Album- Anna Calvi
Label- Domino

Anna Calvi: perhaps the new PJ Harvey? Brian Eno is her personal mentor and calls her the “biggest thing since Patti Smith”; Nick Cave personally asked her to open for Grinderman’s tour. The collection of 10 songs on her self-titled debuted are sultry and sumptuous in a way that recalls Harvey (and PJ’s drummer Rob Ellis produced this album) – and all of Harvey’s lyrical mainstays are present: devils, femininity & masculinity, desire, the usual tricks. Calvi sure loves her twangy guitar licks, at time recalling the best moments of Television’s “Marquee Moon”, and her sultry vocal stylings are cigarette-tinged – all the best chanteuses smoked. “Blackout” is certainly the most commercial track here, and I recommend avoiding it for the more raw cuts.

Lumerians

2011-03-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

Artist- Lumerians
Album- Transmalinnia
Label- Knitting Factory

This is the debut full-length from the psych-rock San Francisco band (the music scene that undoubtedly rules the current psych-rock genre). It kind of sounds like a more prog Sun Araw, or basically like the Black Angels. There’s loopy, fuzzed out bass, distorted guitars, and some spacey keyboards. On tracks like “Black Tusk” the band gets kind of 60’s in their Nuggets-influenced melodies. “ Atlanta Brook” totally sounds like a Spaceman 3. Lumerians manages to do drony, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club-rock without overstaying their welcome.

Duchess Leo

2011-03-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

Artist- Duchess Leo
Album- Golden Grey
Label- Whale Heart

Duchess Leo is an electronic music producer and a songwriter, and the duo is pretty great. This album is like the string section of an orchestra meets electronic beats meets Sun Airway. “Your Sweet Love” is a Lee Hazlewood-appropriating, crazy string sample hit. “Bloom” is more chilled out with reverb-laden echoed guitar rhythms and almost violent drum beatings– kind of Phantogram-ish almost. This LP is a little lopsided unfortunately, with nothing really matching the greatness of “Your Sweet Love”. Still, fans of this type of chill, guitar-electronics combination should give this a listen.

Lykke Li

2011-03-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

Artist- Lykke Li
Album- Wounded Rhymes
Label-Atlantuc

Lykke Li’s much-anticipated sophomore album does not disappoint. The most common complaint about her first album, Youth Novels, was the sound which seemed cutesy to some listeners. On WR, her voice is still high-pitched and delicate, but much more powerful and sure; her versatility is now evident through the contrasting sounds on this album. Normally woe-is-me songs bore me, but LL delivers such spunk and dazzling soul that I just can’t get enough of this rich, moody (and dare I say dark?) album. She launches listeners into a frenzy when she incites them to “come on, get down” on the first track. From then on it’s a melee of emotion and sound, the textured percussion and small details hinting at Bjorn (of Peter and John)’s superb production. This album ranges from slow, haunting, terrifyingly beautiful tracks, to deliciously saucy danceable pieces. Lykke Li does not deny heartbreak and wistfulness, but embraces them. When she expresses her emotions, she does so with grace and careful execution. Musically and thematically, this album is a knockout.

Memphis

2011-03-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

Artist- Memphis
Album- Here Comes A City
Label- Arts and Crafts

Memphis is a duo consisting of Torquil Campbell (the singer of Stars and sometimes member of Broken Social Scene) and Christ Dumont. This group definitely has that mellow indie-rock sound popularized by BSS down to a T. The Smiths-y jangle pop of “Apocalyptic Pop Song” sets it apart from other tracks. There’s the swirling atmospheric glaze that seems to appear on every Arts&Crafts band’s cd, but the cheerful guitar riff and steady drumbeat of “I Am The Photographer” saves the song in this instance. Memphis seems to be one of those side-project groups that remains similar enough to the original act in order to keep fans’ attention, but it’s nice to see Campbell stretching his comfort zone.

Kurt Vile

2011-03-08T10:26:00.001-08:00

Artist- Kurt Vile
Album- Smoke Ring for My Halo
Label- Matador

On his fourth LP and his second for indie heavyweight Matador, Kurt Vile has expertly expanded his sound to create an stunning album of rock ‘n roll bedroom pop.
On tracks like “Puppet to the Man”, Vile does his best Lou Reed impression while his excellently-named backing band The Violators fleshes out his murky musings into a full-fledged rock song. Other tracks find Vile practically solo: “On Tour” is a sprawling yet captivating abstract diary, and “Baby’s Arms” sees Vile trying to convince himself that he’ll never be alone. This LP is expansive, soft, and gritty all at once – gone is the lo-fi sound of early Kurt Vile, but the result is now we’re at the heart of things. It’s difficult to find “picks” because each song is perfectly nestled next to its neighbor in this astoundingly cohesive CD.

Sacred Animals

2011-03-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

Artist- Sacred Animals
Album- Welcome Home EP
Label- Delphi

This EP culls the best elements of Radiohead, Air, and Sigur Ros and somehow makes it all work together. The singer sounds like a more normal Thom Yorke (a reference that is played out in today’s music scene but it’s true). “Chosen Seed” has neat arpeggiated guitar loop (hints of Air circa Talkie Walkie or the Virgin Suicides OST). The lyrics are all oblique and strangely cautious in their wording. This “secretive” Dublin group (actually the solo project of one man) has wonderfully come upon the weird intersection between psych-folk and electronic music and turned it into a delightful 4-song EP. They’re not the most immediately gratifying tunes but these 4 songs are compelling growers.

The Caribbean

2011-03-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

Artist- The Caribbean
Album- Discontinued Perfume
Label- Hometapes

Discontinued Perfume, the fifth album by D.C. art-pop trio The Caribbean, is a weirdly calming yet disjointed record. This album is all about singer Michael Kentoff’s pleasant storytelling lyrical style. The music itself is “chill” I suppose, yet at the same time it’s quirky and a little disquieting. Soft guitars arpeggios, weird handclaps and time signatures- yet none of it is jarring or experimental. I think the fact that it’s so normal and weird is what helps this band’s aesthetic.

Luke Rathborne

2011-03-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

Artist- Luke Rathborne
Album-Dog Years / I Can Be One EP
Label- Dilettante

On this split EP, Luke Rathborne shows that he really wants to be Bob Dylan. What folk-guitarist doesn’t? Rathborne changes up the traditional man-and-guitar formula with well-done production, drum backing, and a general knack for a good tune. Personally invited by Devandra Barnhart to tour, Rathborne rises above the other singer-songwriter dreck.

Edwyn Collins

2011-02-25T09:45:00.000-08:00

Artist- Edwyn Collins
Album- Losing Sleep
Label- Co-op/Downtown

Edwyn Collins was the frontman for bitchin’ Scottish 80’s new-wave group Orange Juice and is currently having the comeback of his life. His old band just got a huge reissue on Domino, and now the dude is putting out a solo cd with collaborations from Johnny Marr, The Drums, Aztec Camera, and Franz Ferdinand. This album explores Collins’ 2005 double brain hemorrhage and subsequent recovery, yet it’s set against poppy and jangly indie-pop- a weird combination, but to be honest how many young bands are doing postpunk jangly rock the right way anymore? Not many. While many 80’s musicians struggle to stay relevant in the 21st century, Orange Juice’s influence is still palpable in many 2000’s bands, and this excellent solo album is a triumph.

Dom

2011-02-18T11:35:00.000-08:00

Artist- Dom
Album- Sun-Bronzed Greek Gods
Label- Astralwerks / Burning Mill

Dom is a hyped Worcester, MA quartet that follows the trend of catchy, surf-y fuzz-pop, though the addition of a female singer adds a Tennis-ish vibe. This EP has been “remastered and remixed”, aka it’s polished. The synths keep this EP sounding fresh and sets it apart from other summery bands. Single “Living in America” is great- the looped, sarcastic lyric “It’s so sexy to be living in America” backed with synth-tinged riffs. Most of this songs are about drugs, making out, teenage shit. This is a highly catchy EP, and Dom’s star has only been rising since the original release of “Sun Bronzed Greek Gods.” A band to watch.

The Brutes

2011-02-18T11:16:00.002-08:00

Artist- The Brutes
Album- Wonderous Punch
Label-self-released

The Brutes are a newish rock band from Minneapolis. Their music reminds me of the Strokes (early Strokes too) and the singer sounds like Paul Banks of Interpol. “Yourspace” is the most obviously Strokes-y, and the guitars on “Last Man Left Hanging” seem to pulled straight from Franz Ferdinand’s first album. I wish this album had been more original, but overall it’s really not bad and the guitars are quite catchy for anyone who digs the jangly-pop vibe.

Sean Rowe

2011-02-18T11:16:00.001-08:00

Artist- Sean Rowe
Album- Magic
Label- ANTI-

Sean Rowe’s debut album is definitely a Leonard Cohen / Van Morrison affair: sparse instrumentation that accompanies Rowe’s soft yet powerful bass voice. This style of music definitely is not for everyone – fans of Cohen, Nick Drake, and Morrison will love this – but it always bear similarities to The National circa Boxer.

Jamaica

2011-02-18T11:15:00.001-08:00

Artist- Jamaica
Album- No Problem
Label- Cooperative USA

Following up on their Cross the Fader EP from fall 2010, Parisian duo Jamaica is back with their first full-length. As before, this is produced by Xavier de Rosnay (of Justice) and Peter Franco (Daft Punk’s engineer) and their influence shows in Jamaica’s electro-tinged rock. The best tracks of the EP reappear on the LP (#1, 2, and 11), but new tracks “The Outsider” and “By the Numbers” are just as good. Jamaica sounds like a harder Phoenix than they do Daft Punk, but I still dig their punk staccato guitar riffs and the duo certainly has a knack for melody. (None of the remixes tacked on are particularly worth playing).

The Boxer Rebellion

2011-02-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Artist- The Boxer Rebellion
Album- The Cold Still
Label- self-released

The third release from this alt-rock London quartet is perhaps a step backwards from sophomore album Union. While it’s certainly not as ferocious, and it’s pretty clear that the Boxer Rebellion draws influence from The National, there are still some solid moments on this album. Most songs, excepting “Step Out of the Car”, are slow, indie tracks carried by the vocalist’s pleasant National-meets-Chris Martin voice.
For fans of: the National, Editors, The Veils, Chapel Club

Banjo or Freakout

2011-02-18T10:41:00.002-08:00

Artist- Banjo or Freakout
Album- s/t
Label- Rare Book Room

Banjo or Freakout is the shoegaze-influenced, dare I say it, chill-wave project of Italian-born/London-based Alessio Natalizia, and after many EPs we finally have a full-length. There are NO BANJOS ON THIS LP, so don’t worry. Some songs, like “Move Out”, have definite discernible guitar elements, while others (the woozy, wondrous “Go Ahead) are looser and more shoegazey in nature. Vocals are generally hazy and at times I’m reminded of the Antlers. Obviously it’s hard to be fully original in a genre that’s fairly defined, but Banjo or Freakout does a pretty good job here.

Neon Legion

2011-02-18T10:41:00.001-08:00

Artist- Neon Legion
Album- Empire
Label- self-released

Neon Legion is the project of Phillip Kressin –a name that means nothing- except this project features members of Holy Fuck, the Hidden Cameras, and Fischerspooner. The result is an album of dancey, New Wave laser music. Kressin’s vocals sound like the singer for the Pet Shop Boys. Given the guest performers, I expected this album to be much better.

Winter's Fall

2011-02-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

Artist- Winter's Fall
Album- At All Angles
Label- Velvet Blue Music

Despite what the sticker says, Winter’s Fall actually reminds me more of Band of Horses than My Morning Jacket. Like Band of Horses meets country-folk. It’s mostly the singer that sounds country, not the music. The music itself has a spacey, meandering quality that is rather nice- with a different vocalist this would be a better band. “Maybe I Do” best exemplifies this band’s sound.

Silk Flowers

2011-02-08T18:53:00.001-08:00

Artist- Silk Flowers
Album- LTD. Form
Label- Post Present Medium

This New York-based “dance goth” trio is undoubtedly one of the better acts signed to No Age’s personal label Post Present Medium. The LP is split evenly between instrumentals and tracks with singer Peter Schuette, who sounds very similar to Joy Division’s Ian Curtis. The album is synth-driven and not as lo-fi as their previous album thanks to Amanda “MNDR” Warner at the production helm. The album sounds warm, but without sacrificing any charm. Anyone who digs Joy Division, Zola Jesus, or synthy stuff like Diamond Rings will love this.

Tommy Guerrero

2011-02-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

Artist- Tommy Guerrero
Album- Lifeboats & Follies
Label- Galaxia

Former 80’s professional skateboarder returns to the 2000’s with a CD of jazzy, Afrobeat and lazy downtown-cool drum beats. I want to wear black and read poetry to this LP. TG himself plays guitar, bass, keys and percussion, and is joined by a variety of instrumentalists to flesh out his sound. “Bulls on Broadway” is bassy with a hint of dub underneath the melodica parts, and “Cut the Reins” has a cool jazz shuffle going on.

Beans

2011-02-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

Artist- Beans
Album- End It All
Label- Anticon
Genre- hiphop

This album is insanely good- Brooklyn-based rapper Beans (formerly of the Antipop Consortium) is at his best, and each track is produced by an indie superstar such as TOBACCO, Four Tet, Bumps (aka Tortoise), Sam Fog of Interpol, and more. Beans’ rapping style often consists of staggering his rhymes, and the varied production actually shows how adaptable his rhymes are to different beats. My only complaint is that each track is too damn short: most clock at 2 minutes tops. “Glass Coffin” has a gritty, industrial edge set off by cool 8-bit arpeggiated riffs ; “Mellow You Out” features Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio singing background to Beans’ raps. BEWARE FCC VIOLATIONS

Shunda K

2011-02-07T05:19:00.001-08:00

Artist- Shunda K
Album- The Most Wanted
Label- Fanatic
Genre- Hiphop

The hip-hop scene needs more women MCs and luckily Shunda K brings her best. Shunda begans as one third of group Yo Majesty, a buzzy rap group that signed to Domino in 2007. Her Southern-style of rapping is crazy quick and the beats here are gritty and electro-tinged. Highlight “Here I Am to Save the World” is insane. “My Light” cribs from Outkast but is still pretty good. “Rock & Roll” begins with an annoying sung intro, but once the grimy beat drops the song picks up. The album is sharp, well-produced, and above all entertaining.

Little Comets

2011-02-07T05:18:00.000-08:00

Artist- Little Comets
Album- In Search of Elusive Little Comets
Label- Dirty Hit

This British band found themselves signed to Columbia Records and then held hostage to their contract for 2 years for not making catchy enough indie pop. Strange, because this album is extremely influenced by popular indie bands (see below). The singer reminds me Kele Okereke of Bloc Party, and the music itself, and the band’s style does have hints of the punky-Afrobeat style that Vampire Weekend folded into the indie mainstream. For fans of: Vamp Weekend, Ra Ra Riot, Futureheads

James Vincent McMorrow

2011-02-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

Artist- James Vincent McMorrow
Album- Early in the Morning
Label- Vagrant
Genre- folk

This cd of folk-pop from Irish singer-songwriter James Vincent McMorrow rises above similar efforts within the genre. It has elements of Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes (ok, it is particularly similar to Bon Iver), yet McMorrow’s music feels more intimate. His tenor voice is quite beautiful if not thin as well. Fans of confessional style folk will love this, or for anyone who needs good headphone chill tunes.

Blaqstarr

2011-01-28T10:24:00.001-08:00

Artist- Blaqstarr
Album- Divine EP
Label- N.E.E.T./Interscope
Genre- hip-hop

Not to be confused with confused with other rap group Black Star (Talib Kweli & Mos Def), Baltimore DJ Blaqstarr is mostly known for his production work on M.I.A.’s albums. “Rider Girl” is a of reworking of previous collab with Rye Rye with Kanye-esque short verses about relationships. This definitely is more experimental as hip-hop goes, but anyone familiar with M.I.A.’s work should dig this. None of these are club bangers, definitely a more laid-back feel.

Apex Manor

2011-01-28T09:40:00.001-08:00

Artist- Apex Manor
Album- The Year of Magical Drinking
Label- Merge

If you’re like me you pulled this off the shelf because of the album title
(who doesn’t love magical drinking?) but here’s some bad news: it doesn’t
quite live up to its charismatic name. That’s not to say this isn’t a
decent album. In fact the relaxed, catchy, slightly poppy guitar based
rock on Magical Drinking has a pretty classic sound (there’s even cowbell
on a few tracks) and is very easy to listen to. Think something like a
late Wilco with less piano, more electric guitar, and a deeper voice.

Tristen

2011-01-28T09:38:00.002-08:00

Artist- Tristen
Album- Charlatans at the Garden Gate
Label- American Myth

Tristen is yet another songstress coming out of the Nashville scene. This is good enough, not great by any means. These songs draw more inspiration from Revolver and folk-pop than country. Opener “Eager for Your Love” is rather Cardigans-esque, featuring a vintage organ that provides a nice backing. The key word here seems to be “ernest” in its pop-stylings.

Fierce Creatures

2011-01-28T09:38:00.001-08:00

Artist- Fierce Creatures
Album- I Mostri Feroci
Label- Self-released

This debut EP is pretty exceptional for being just that – a debut effort. It has all the enthusiasm of kids not yet jaded by the music industry, kids who saved their best melodies for their debut. It’s quirky folk-pop with quick melodies. Opener “Satan is a Vampire” is anthemic in its vocal melodies; it reminds me of Funeral-era Arcade Fire. The female vocalist takes over on “The Great White” and the effect is delicate. Closer “The Brute and the Beast” is the undisputed standout – it starts off well enough before adopting a soft, spaghetti-western surf guitar riff. Wonderful debut.

Lia Ices

2011-01-25T17:50:00.002-08:00

Artist- Lia ices
Album- Grown Unknown
Label- Jagjaguwar

This carefully-constructed album is delicately beautiful, carried by simple melodies and Lia Ices’ amazing, ghostly voice. “Daphne” begins with acoustic guitar and light straight arrangements before Bon Iver pops up half-way through to duet. Ethereal and poetic. I like the handclap backing on the title track “Grown Unknown” in particular. Definitely not for everyone, but this rises well about the usual singer-songwriter crap on the basis of Lia’s voice and the minimal arrangements.

Blank Dogs

2011-01-25T17:50:00.001-08:00

Artist- Blank Dogs
Album- Land and Fixed
Label- Captured Tracks

Blank Dogs is the lo-fi post punk project of Mike Sniper, the owner of veritable indie label Captured Tracks. This LP is certainly cleaner in sound than the last few Blank Dogs releases, but it still has an unpolished charm. “Goes By” features the mechanized drumming of Joy Division with gothy synths. All of Sniper’s vocals are distorted in some way on this album; it comes off as distant yet strangely cool (influences of 70’s group Suicide). “Northern Islands” has elements of 8bit, Nintendo-ish beats. “Insides” sounds like the Cure for the first minute until the song opens up into a quicker punky jam. Sniper has definitely begun to make a transition from post-punk to new wave on this LP.

Delicate Steve

2011-01-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

Artist- Delicate Steve
Album- Wondervisions
Label- Luaka Bop

“Delicate” Steve Marion’s album is a wondrous exploration of a variety of styles. Psychadelic guitar shredding on “Welcome-Begin”; Afro-pop in the style of Dirty Projectors on “Sugar Splash” or “Butterfly”. The entire thing is instrumental, but the guitar riffs were interesting enough to keep my attention through. Fans of Marnie Stern, Dirty Projectors, or tropicalia will dig this.

Ben + Vesper

2011-01-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

Artist- Ben + Vesper
Album- HONORS
Label- Sounds Familyre

Husband and wife duo who are tight friends with Sufjan Stevens (he plays piano on this) put out their first full-length in four years. It’s not twee like all those other boy-girl duos. This is balanced and well-done freak-folk pop. Often both vocalists sing the same parts together, though “Holly Home?” is more call-and-response. “How You Are” is kind of a nice, drifting tune too.

When Saints Go Machine

2011-01-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

Artist- When Saints Go Machine
Album- Fail Forever EP
Label- !k7

Blissed out rpm with dancey tones, ghostly vocals, and some hazy atmospheric sounds. The Danes sure do know how to do this shit right. Singer Nikolaj Manuel Vonsild’s vocals remind me of a not-annoying Anthony Hegarty (of Antony and the Johnsons / Hercules + Love Affair). “Pick Up Your Tears…” is influenced by Salem and it shows. “Fail Forever” and “You Or the Gang” are definite favorites – the later almost veers into Miike Snow territory but is saved by the great beat drop. While WSGM has an RPM base, this definitely has crossover appeal in my opinion.

Daniel Martin Moore

2011-01-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

Artist- Daniel Martin Moore
Album- In the Cool of the Day
Label- SUB pop

Sub Pop gone folk? What??? This Kentucky-based dude’s CD for classic indie label Sub Pop is straight up Appalachia-tinged folk. Acoustic guitar, sometimes a piano, sometimes that’s all music needs. My Morning Jacket’s Jim James helps out on the banjo too. DMM definitely has an appeal – headphone music, chillout, whatever – and a lot of these songs have a gospel underpinning.

Modern Skirts

2011-01-18T05:07:00.001-08:00

Artist- Modern Skirts
Album- Gramahawk
Label- self-r

Athens, GA four-piece’s third album of melodic alterna-pop. Love it. Melodies of the Beach Boys via the post-modern weariness of Spoon. The vocals on “Under Bridges & Overpasses” are almost hypnotic in their rhythmic talk-y delivery with overtracked sung melodies. The final track, “To Be a Branch Davidian”, is delightful and spacey with the right touch of melancholy. This album is varied in styles (mostly held together by the vocal stylings) but this is still absolutely pleasant indie pop.

Madison

2011-01-18T05:06:00.001-08:00

Artist- Madison
Album- The Noise Some People Make
Label- G
Genre- electro pop

I dug this EP. It’s chock full of female 80’s electro/synth pop, like a hipster version of Robyn or a not-annoying Kesha. It’s very dreamy and breathy. The first two tracks are pretty good, but the second half of the EP sucks. “Superman” is annoying in its attempts to be kind of urban and sexy; “Hot Hot Love” is an improvement but still kind of dumb. Stick to “#1” and “Lights Low” (the single, already featured on a number of TV soundtracks).

Fergus & Geronimo

2011-01-18T05:05:00.000-08:00

Artist- Fergus & Geronimo
Album- Unlearn
Label- Hardly Art (imprint of Sub Pop)
Genre- varied

This Brooklyn by-way-of Texas duo’s first LP is a smart and often funny blend of 60’s style jangly pop-rock. It’s off-kilter at time, drawing from a range of influences. “Powerful Lovin’” and “Unlearn” have the slow waltzy tempo of old 60’s R&B crooners. Most tracks have the attitude of the Violent Femmes- “Baby Don’t You Cry” is a jangly rocker with the same nasally voices (though less annoying) as the VF’s. The CD indicates a band that isn’t fully sure of their identity yet, but the varied styles means that there’s something for everyone.

ESG

2011-01-18T05:04:00.000-08:00

Artist- ESG
Album- Dance to the Best of ESG
Label- Fire
Genre- Post punk

For those who don’t know, ESG was a highly influential early 80’s post-punk (with funky basslines) group that remains highly influential to this day – all that early 2000’s stuff like the Liars (#5 here is used for the Liars’ “Tumbling…”)as well as anything on DFA records. If you dig the disco-dance-punk sound of LCD Soundsystem, you must check this out. ESG is one of the most sampled groups of all time. They’re kind of like the female version of Public Image Ltd. with sparser arrangements. Start with "U.F.O.", "Chistelle", and newer instrumental "Tiny Sticks."

Ryan Adams

2011-01-18T05:03:00.000-08:00

Artist- Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
Album- III/IV
Label- Pan-Am
Genre- rock

Evidently this double album was recorded back in 2007 (the Easy Tiger sessions) and Adams just found the tapes recently. Like previous album Rock N Roll, Adams leaves his alt-country schtick behind, instead favoring muscled out power pop rock. With 21 tracks to choose from, it wasn’t hard to find a few winners. “Icebreaker” is Adams goes faux-metal, “The Crystal Skull” sounds like Morrissey. Adams needs to reevalute his recording practices, since his prolific output means that more often than not these CDs are full of filler.

British Sea Power

2011-01-10T15:27:00.003-08:00

Artist- British Sea Power
Album- Valhalla Dancehall
Label- Rough Trade

Having never understood the appeal of BSP, their new, fifth album does nothing to help me out. Bloated, spacey and orchestral indie rock and no longer at their peak. Guitar swells and U2-level grandstanding. Perhaps it’s just not my cup of tea. #5 (Mongk II) is the clear standout track, a Krautrock reworking of the so-so track “Mongk” from the Zeus EP. “Thin Black Sail” is a random 1 ½ minute post-punk rocker. Overall, BSP seems to have lost the plot on their newest album.

Oberhofer

2011-01-10T15:25:00.001-08:00

Oberhofer with Cloud Nothings - Brillobox, this Thursday!

Artist- Oberhofer
Album- Away Frm U EP
Label- self-released

This 19 year old hipster doesn’t even have a proper album out yet and already this shit is buzzy- talk of being the next Wavves. Regardless, this bedroom-pop EP is pretty pleasant. “Away Frm U” has a pretty, whistled melody, and although the title of “o0Oo0O0o” is pretty annoying, the echoed vocals that run through the 5 songs here show this kid’s skill. It’s self-aware, Brad kind of yelps at times, but it comes off as charmingly unpolished.

OFF!

2011-01-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

Artist- OFF!
Album- The First Four EPs
Label- Vice
Genre- Hardcore

The long-awaited hardcore punk project of Keith Morris (Circle Jerks/Black Flag), Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Steven McDonald (Redd Kross), and Mario Rubalcaba (Rocket From the Crypt/Earthless). It’s pretty amazing, clocking in 16 songs at just about 20 minutes, but unfortunately this is pretty FCC dirty. The Raymond Pettibon (Black Flag, SY’s Goo) album art is perfect. OFF! sounds like the perfect dose of revival 80’s West Coast hardcore, leaning heavily on influences of Morris’ work in Black Flag and Circle Jerks mostly. I highly recommend this, but admittedly it’s not for everyone.

The Veils

2011-01-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

Artist- The Veils
Album- Troubles in the Brain EP
Label- Pitch Beast

The Veils are a New Zealand band fronted by Finn Andrews (son of XTC’s keyboardist Barry Andrews) that hit their stride with 2009’s Sun Gangs. This followup EP is pretty mixed- lead tracks “Bloom” and “The Stars…” are pretty great indie rock songs, but most of the others have sparse arrangements and sound like polished demo tapes. Produced by Bernard Butler, guitarist of Britpop band Suede. Andrews’ voice is like a dryer version of Jeff Buckley.

Darwin Deez

2011-01-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

Artist- Darwin Deez
Album- self-titled
Label- Lucky Number
Genre- Indie pop

This debut album from a mustached hipster already has the British press blowin’ up, now Darwin Deez has hit American shores. Songs like “Constellations” and “Radar Detector” are chirpy, upbeat numbers that sound like the intersection of The Strokes (first album era) and Yeasayer. It’s hard to find problems with these 3-minute gems. As an album, there’s naturally some filler, but the combination of Deez’s earnest vocals (switching between deadpan, falsetto, and Julian Casablancas’ casualness), the weird 4-string guitar he plays, and drum machine beats make for some great indie-pop songs.

2011 in music

2010-12-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING RELEASES:

Lykke Li, Deerhoof, Fleet Foxes, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Hercules & Love Affair, The Go!Team, Akron/Family, Cut Copy, Wire, Fujiya & Miyagi, Gang of Four, Mogwai, Tennis, La Sera (the Vivian Girls sideproject whose single was in digital rotation), Cold War Kids, Cage the Elephant, Iron and Wine, Panda Bear, Crystal Stilts, Smith Westerns, Yuck (buzzzzzzz band), The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Babies, Woven Bones, Toro Y Moi, Cloud Nothings (even though they just dropped one 2 months back), Hunx and His Punx, Times New Viking

Kraak & Smaak

2010-12-12T19:58:00.000-08:00

Artist- Kraak & Smaak
Album- Dynamite [Single]
Label- Jalepeno
Genre- house, rpm

This funk-house track by Dutch group Kraak & Smaak is pretty friggin catchy. Nonsensical lyrics (“tricky licky…etc”). The 3min (opposed to 6 minute original) radio edit is the best version of the track. The only good remix in my opinion is the Pink Elephant one, which is crunchy and blows up in the style of Justice’s “Waters of Nazareth” right around the 2 minute mark.

The Elves of Heaven

2010-12-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

Artist- The Elves of Heaven
Album- This Christmas EP
Label- Seaport

This cute EP sounds totally different on each song. #1 is like the Raveonettes performing Xmas tunes! #2 has a male singer doing his best Lou Reed impression to a slower tune, with a kind of talk-singing about the tale of some dude who’s down on his luck. #3 is an “alternate take” (you could say) on “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” – except he “ain’t” comin’! Sadness!!!! Anyway, this is adorable.

Exray's

2010-12-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

Artist- Exray's
Album- Ammunition Teeth [EP]
Label- Howells Transmitter
Really dreamy lo-fi indie pop. The band’s song “Hesitation” was featured in The Social Network. The vocals seem faraway and sleepy in a darling indie way, anchored by beats and some cool synth noises. This EP features Nate Query of the Decemberists, and the full-length (in January) will have Tim Cohen of the Fresh & Only’s.

Daft Punk

2010-12-07T14:23:00.001-08:00

Artist- Daft Punk
Album- Tron: Legacy OST
Label- Disney
Genre- soundtrack

After weeks of anticipation, here it is. I want to like this – I honestly do – but it sounds a lot like other movie soundtracks. (“Recognizer” sounds like Inception). It’s orchestral, sweeping, and moody. Nothing has that initial badass moment like early single “Derezzed”, except for the dancey “End Titles”. It’s a pretty damn good movie soundtrack, and DP can certainly command this 85-piece orchestra, but don’t expect too many dance moments.

The Naked and Famous

2010-12-07T14:20:00.001-08:00

Artist- The Naked and Famous
Album- Passive Me, Aggressive You
Label- Somewhat Damaged

Blend of 80's electronic, shoegazer, and synthesizer to make a cd that rocks along the lines of a less-annoying Passion Pit. This New Zealand band’s debut is HIGHLY impressive, and singer Alisa Xayalith’s vocals are crazyyy. This is dreamy and exciting at the same time. Check this out for sure. #2 and #7 are the “singles”, but #5 is dark and creepy in a Radiohead Kid A kind of way.
For fans of: Empire of the Sun, Passion Pit

Gospel Music

2010-12-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

Artist- Gospel Music
Album- Duettes
Label- Kill Rock Stars
Genre- cutesy indie folk

This EP is the project of Owen Holmes from Black Kids (the bass player), performing duets with members of Vivian Girls (5), Camera Obscura (3), Magnetic Fields (2), and more. Holmes has the voice of Adam Green, Calvin Johnson, or Jonathan Richman (low, sing-talking), and all the female vocalists are lovely. Acoustic guitars or the occasional banjo provides backing music. This EP is adorable all around.

Various Artists

2010-12-01T18:22:00.000-08:00

Artist- v/a
Album- Friends and Friends of Friends Vol 3
Label- Tender Loving Empire

This 2-disc (with over 40 tracks) set is twofold in scope: the "Neighbors" disc gathers the best of bands currently from or settled in Portland, Oregon;
"Pen-Pals" are bands from elsewhere. There’s some familiar names (Y La Bamba, Social Studies, the Love Language) and a whole lot of unknowns. However, don’t be put off! Each CD has a number of gems. There’s something here for everyone.

Midnight Juggernauts

2010-12-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

Artist- Midnight Juggernauts
Album- The Crystal Axis
Label- Siberia
Genre- synth rock

Synth-rock that’s percussive and groovy, and a nice sophomore effort at that. I definitely hear prog, 70’s influences as well. This band supported Justice after their first album was released, but they sound nothing like those Frenchies. Track 4 (“The New Technology”) is heavily indebted to Kraut-rock.
For Fans Of: The Presets, Cut Copy, Thieves Like Us, Van She

Royksopp - Senior

2010-11-29T20:57:00.000-08:00

Artist - Royksopp

Album - Senior

Label - Astralwerks

Genre - Swedish chill melancholy electronica

I love this album because I love Royksopp, not because it is incredible. However, it is still quite good. If you enjoy melancholy Swedish electronic music, executed flawlessly, adding small unexpected details to their tracks in all the right places, knowing just how to tug at one’s heartstrings with just a melody, then this is for you. Vocals are absent on this album, an interestingly contrasting sequel to 2009’s poppy Junior, which featured, among others, Robyn and Karin Dreijer. That said, I might not appreciate Senior as much were it not for the prequel – for example, Tricky Two is a solid track on its own, but I may not appreciate it as much were it not for Tricky, arguably the catchiest tune on Junior. Notwithstanding, there are 100% new tracks which I love as well – Senior Living (4) and The Fear (7) contain the attention to tiny details I expect from this seasoned band. Part of me feels that this album is a creative plateau, but that does not make it bad. Listen and enjoy.

Deluka

2010-11-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

Artist- Deluka
Album- You Are the Night
Label- Vel
Genre- electropop

Deluka’s debut album has been hotly anticipated after they released their excellent EP of electro dance rock tracks in 2009. Frontwoman Ellie Innocenti is the clear star of this album, bringing a ton of attitude to her vocal performance (hints of Karen O on “OMFG”). “Snapshot” sounds like a fleshed-out, electro version of the Ting Tings. This album has great hooks, energetic drumming, and fantastic guitar riffs set off by synths.

Coastwest Unrest

2010-11-24T18:45:00.001-08:00

Artist- Coastwest Unrest
Album- Old Weird Americana
Label- Reclaim

Folk-punk along the lines of Ghost Mice or This Bike is a Pipe Bomb. I could totally see this guys playing a basement show somewhere. The vocals are a bit gruff, but it works surprisingly well. The skittish hiccupping drumbeats are a nice feature as well. Violins flourishes are well employed. It’s definitely a step away from the typical indie-pop we play, but give this album a listen.

Charles Bradley

2010-11-24T18:44:00.003-08:00

Artist- Charles Bradley
Album- No Time for Dreaming
Label- Daptone
Genre- soul

This funk and soul album comes from Daptone Records, home of Sharon Jones & the Dapkings and the Budos Band among other acts. Bradley is a hard-hitting soul belter who sounds at times like James Brown, especially in his coaxing “cmons!” and guttural noises. The Menahan Street Band (sampled frequently by Jay-Z and 50 Cent, randomly) provide excellent backing instrumentation (not as heavy as Budos Band, for example).
This album perfectly reinvents the soul movement of the 1960s and ‘70s into something gut-wrenching, beautiful, and modern.

The Greenhornes

2010-11-24T18:44:00.001-08:00

Artist- The Greenhornes
Album- ****
Label- Third Man
Genre- vintage sounding 60's

The Greenhornes are best known for containing half of the Raconteurs (the bassist and drummer), yet this garage band has predates that musical project. They clearly have been playing their copy of 60’s compilation Nuggets on repeat, since this albums is heavily indebted to the Zombies and the Who. Single “Better Off Without It” sounds like a lost Kinks track.

Soft Circle

2010-11-24T18:43:00.001-08:00

Artist- Soft Circle
Album- Shore Obsessed
Label- PPM
Genre- electronic, experiemental

This is the new project of Hisham Bharoocha, one of the founding members of both Black Dice and Lightning Bolt. The music here steps away from his prior, more aggressive-sounding bands and is full of great drumming and looped-out guitars. Pretty synth-heavy as well. Pleasant male vocals. Sounds a lot like White Dragon or Lucky Dragons. This album is really excellent, I could not recommend it more.

Girls

2010-11-24T18:41:00.001-08:00

Artist- Girls
Album- Broken Dreams Club EP
Label- True Panther Sounds
Genre- indie rock

With 6 songs clocking in at 30 minutes, San Francisco outfit Girls randomly dropped this EP as a “thanks” to everyone who supported their debut album (literally titled Album). “Oh So Protective One” features gorgeous horn flourishes over Christopher Owens’ trademarked, pseudo-Costello voice. We have the usual Girls lyrical themes: getting high to escape problems (#3, though the whammy bar on this track is annoying) and heartbreak (any of them). The mood on this album is less triumphant than Album, with bummer lyrics like “Who wants something real / when you can have nothing?”.

Apache Beat

2010-11-24T18:40:00.002-08:00

Artist- Apache Beat
Album- Last Chants
Label- Babylon

This band is not easy to categorize by any means; this album is very experimental and so the song selection is very diverse, making it very intriguing. However, while it is impressive to create such a unique array of songs, one might be thrown off while listening to the CD (they might like one song to find there isn’t much else that sounds like that one song). One definitely will feel in some of the songs a certain element of post-punk rock, but other songs slow down and explore a different side of things, and regardless of what sound they band is dabbling with it is all very composed and intricate. These are talented artists that really demonstrate on this album that they are not a one trick pony, but I find myself feeling a little confused in not really feeling a strong point of view due to the diversity. Over all, Apache Beat delivers a lot of intriguing, well composed songs that have a strong back beat and good vocals. If one is looking for something that is creative, calming, and yet a little dark/edgy there is a good bet you will find something on this album that will peak your interest.

Screaming Females

2010-11-24T18:40:00.001-08:00

Artist- Screaming Females
Album- Castle Talk
Label- Don Giovanni

While this album was not exactly what I was expecting, I still enjoyed it greatly. When one hears the name screaming females, I feel, it is difficult to not have a vision of what the vocals will be. However, this band name is misleading. While the singer is female, she is not screaming, in fact she has a very pleasant voice that has just a hint of unrefinement (not a real word). The real great part of this album/band is not the vocalist though, it is the instrumentals. They have a really unique balance between a garage punk sounding instrumentals and your more everyday poppy indie rock sound. This is cool, but also sometimes confusing, for some songs you listen to and you are like this is sick, and then it switches on you. However, I feel this really isn’t a huge deal and it does bring something new to the table, which I feel is enjoyable. This is a great album for people that like indie rock but want just a little more grime in the sound.

Tyvek

2010-11-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

Artist- Tyvek
Album- Nothing Fits
Label- In the Red
Genre- garage punk

Tyvek is a band that has been around for a little while, but this is their first album on a more recognized label. However, this does not mean that they polished up their sound and collapsed to corporate demands; no, Tyvek, for those that know them, have stuck to their signature sound, a real raw, genuine garage punk. The album delivers all of the essentials; you got fast paced guitar riffs, heavy bass in the background, simple/clever lyrics, and an unpolished sound. For someone that does not know garage punk this is a good album to listen to, for Tyvek knows what they are doing and they do it well (if you do know the genre this will be just what you were hoping for). In general this album is good for new listeners and old listeners alike, and will surely get you blood pumping and your foot tapping.

Jamaica

2010-11-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

Artist- jamaica
Album- Cross the Fader EP
Label- Cooperative

French electroc-rock that’s produced by Xavier de Rosnay of Justica and Daft Punk’s sound engineer. This shit has pedigree. Massive riffs (track 1) carry these songs, and the vocals have the catchiness of Phoenix.
For fans of: mr. Oizo, Phoenix, Breakbot, catchy shit

Robyn

2010-11-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

Artist - Robyn

Album - Body Talk Pt. 3

Label - Konichiwa

Genre - Dance-y Girl Pop

I’ve been awaiting the third installment of Robyn’s Body Talk with great anticipation, mostly hoping it would emulate the exciting variety of Part 1 as opposed to the plateauing of Part 2. For this album, Robyn has compiled a tracklist of the “best” tracks from Parts 1 and 2, and I agree with her choices. Regarding the 5 new tracks: I salute the production of Part 3. It’s shimmery, infectious, and a little more so meant for the clubs than either of its predecessors. The lyrical content is somewhat tacky and forced – not to say Part 1 wasn’t tacky, but I could appreciate it for what it was. I think Robyn could have done a little better… but Indestructible is a truly great track, and I find myself humming Time Machine way more than I ought to. All in all, this was somewhere in between Parts 1 and 2 for me. Here’s to the Swedes for another great dance-pop production!

Voltaire Twins

2010-11-15T17:45:00.000-08:00

Artist - Voltaire Twins

Album - Voltaire Twins EP

Label - s/r (Voltaire Twins)

Genre - electro pop

Sounds like all that currently popular shimmery electro-pop (think Class Actress and Mariage Blanc), but with a twist of the 80s. The duetting male and female vocalists over writhing, multilayered synths sound a little corny, but hey, everyone needs a little of that sometimes. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really do it for me, and I really like corny stuff. It’s a little forced and awkward. Perhaps with some refinement I’d enjoy the Voltaire Twins – I hope their full length will impress to a greater degree.

Bad Books

2010-11-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

Artist- Bad Books
Album- s/t
Label- Favorite Gentleman
Genre- indiepop

Evolving as a side project, Bad Books is an indie rock super group, including Kevin Devine and members of Manchester Orchestra. It's a fairly straight-forward indie rock album with a heavy-pop backbone. These tracks are pretty decent toe-tappers with a nice tendency to swell into full-out, Conor Oberst-eque choruses.

Warpaint

2010-11-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

Artist- Warpaint
Album- The Fool
Label- Rough Trade

All-girl LA quartet revives the sound of early 90's 4AD, especially the mellower end of Throwing Muses. Dueling, languid vocals weave over spare, angular guitar figures (chorus pedals: ON). Other influences show through: "Undertow" recalls Nirvana's "Polly"; and "Baby", one of two largely acoustic numbers (the other is "Shadows") quotes the Beatles' "Long,Long,Long". There are no obvious singles here, but the best song is probably the faintly-menacing, bass-heavy "Bees", also fine is the incantatory "Composure", which shows off the band's excellent rhythm section. A promising debut.

Marnie Stern

2010-11-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

Artist- Marnie Stern
Album- s/t
Label- Kill Rock Stars
Genre- RAWK

New York local Marnie Stern's self-titled third album finds the virtuoso guitar girl still shredding and pumping out more of the compelling, melodious rock music for which she won so much critical acclaim. Absolutely huge, layered spacious chord-like vocals atop of Stern's highly technical guitar parts. Crazy cadence turns, tempo shifts, and frenzied finger-tapping aboudn, especially on "Gimme" and "Female Guitar Players are the New Black". Stern is undeniably technically proficient and full of attitude, and her catchy melodies and accessible yet sometimes vulnerable voice make this album all the more incredible.

The Duke Spirit

2010-11-10T17:35:00.001-08:00

Artist- The Duke Spirit
Album- Kusama EP
Label- Shangri-Las
Genre- indie rock

This EP by the UK rock band only has 3 tracks. The single, “Everybody’s Under Your Spell”, sounds like a less-annoying version of the Dead Weather. Singer Leila Moss sounds like she would have a great stage prescence. There is a hint of swampy blues vibe underneath all the swagger. “Northbound” is pretty sultry with a softer vibe.

Masonic

2010-11-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

Artist- Masonic
Album- Live like a Millionaire
Label- Self-released
Genre- indie pop

This charming indie-pop album is well produced and has a wide appeal- in fact, the only real negative is the long running-time (15 tracks…). Singer Eryn Getty has a cute, girl-next-door type of voice. The songs alternate between boring and dull and poppy indie (the picks). Kind of an Apples in Stereo vibe.

Villagers

2010-11-10T17:33:00.000-08:00

Artist- Villagers
Album- The Pact (I'll be your Fever) EP
Label- Domino
Genre- folky

This EP from folk-rock group Villagers, aka Irish singer Conor O’Brien, features acoustic re-workings of a few tracks from their debut album Becoming a Jackal (released summer 2010). There’s also unreleased song “Cecilia & her Selfhood” and Bob Dylan cover “Love Minus Zero”. Cute and poppy without being saccharine, these songs are perfect for autumn. The man is also an excellent piano player (#3).

PS I Love You

2010-11-10T17:32:00.002-08:00

Artist- P.S. I Love You
Album- Meet Me at the Muster Station
Label- Paper Bag
Genre- rock

This rock band has a straight up AWFUL band name but their music is actually not too shabby. (Seriously, why would you want to sound like a shitty rom-com movie?). The duo manages to crank out a full sound, and vocalist/axe-man Paul Saulnier barks like Black Francis and rocks like J. Mascis. “Facelove” starts off like pop-rock, with a boy confessing his feelings for a chick, before the distortion kicks in half-way through. Like a softer Japandroids, these songs are full of heavy guitars but youthful and nostalgic lyrics.

Phil Wilson

2010-11-10T17:32:00.001-08:00

Artist- Phil Wilson
Album- God Bless Jim Kennedy
Label- Slumberland
Genre- pop-rock

Having never heard of Phil Wilson, here’s a bit of research to pass on: he was the guitarist for 80’s pop group the June Brides and then disappeared for 25 years until now. It’s a good thing too because this album is awesome: opener “Three Days” is packed with energy and layers of instruments. Adorable, British-tinged pop-rock songs. Some tracks (#4) have a definite punky element as well. #6 is outstanding as well.

Paul Avion

2010-11-10T17:31:00.001-08:00

Artist-Paul Avion
Album-RU With Me
Label- self-released

Musician Paul Avion puts out his first proper album after kicking around releasing singles for awhile. It sounds like Devandra Barnhart meets ELO. Cute singer-songwriter fare with good instrumentation and a slight flair for well-placed keyboards (#7). “Henry Sage” has nice horn flourishes. This album should appeal to fans of indie pop.

Maserati

2010-11-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Artist-Maserati
Album- Pyramid of the Sun
Label- Temporary Residence LTD
Genre- dancey post-rock

Holy f*** this album is great, and it also sounds a LOT like the band Holy Fuck (or an instrumental !!!) as well. This album is a tribute to Jerry Fuchs, an indie scene staple who lent his disco-influenced drumming to Maserati, !!!, and the Juan Maclean. This is prog-rock meet dance-punk, with a bit more synthesizer than their last album Inventions for the New Season. “They’ll Suffer No More from Hunger” and “Ruins” (track 6, 5) is the most “rock” of the bunch, anchored by sludgy drums and guitar feedback.

Bikini

2010-11-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

Artist- Bikini
Album- Ripjds EP
Label- Lefse
Genre- chill electronic

This debut EP from a fairly unknown group is really nice, full of chill textured pop music. Labelmates Neon Indian would be a similar comparaison musically. “Acheerlaeder” is a sick tune with altered vocals and a throbbing beat that still manages to have chill-wave appeal while being interesting.

The Last Royals

2010-11-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

Artist- The Last Royals
Album- s/t ep
Label- Ooh La La

This new two-piece band sure likes to sing-talk a lot, as evidenced by both tracks in this short EP. “Crystal Vases” starts off innocuously enough with pleasant male singing and upbeat chord strumming before a nice glossy guitar riff at about 1:20. This sounds a lot like Gossip Girl music, like a less-dancey The Virgins. It’s catchy enough.

The Fresh and Only's

2010-11-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

Artist- The Fresh and Only's
Album- Play It Strange
Label- In The Red
Genre- psych surf-punk
The F&O’s third album (in 2 years!) has the band making huge strides artistically (and not in a bad way). The sound’s slightly cleaned up, but it’s still tropical surf garage rock with a heavy dose of reverb. Coming from the psych-garage West Coast scene that produced Ty Segall, Thee Oh Sees and more, this album is wonderful and hopefully will gain the band new recognition.

#1- Waterfall - great track, between the faintest hints of “ooh” in the background, the typical F&O’s jangliness, and the spaghetti-western riff, I’m hooked.
#5- I’m Shook Up - not Tim Cohen’s (formerly of band Black Fiction) greatest vocal performance, but the combination of the steady rhythm section and the 50’s guitar vibe makes this another winner.
#4- Tropical Island Suite - excellent if you’re willing to play a 7 minute track (with a fuzzed-out breakdown half-way through).
#7- Fascinated - undoubtedly tied for my favorite track (besides “Waterfalls”), full of lovely pop distortion, a bit of 90’s sound, and the chorus of “you’re such a pretty girl”

Matt and Kim

2010-11-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Artist - Matt and Kim

Album - Sidewalks

Label - Fader

The third album from this “dance-punk” trio doesn’t sound much different from their past releases. Fortunately, their older tracks are infectious and fun, so here’s much of the same! Very danceable. Aside from the same beeping beats and bold vocals, this album seems to have a little more variety in terms of the overall sound – a welcome change after almost every track sounded like a variation of “Daylight” on their latest album.
Basically, if you’ve liked their past stuff, you’ll enjoy this. If you’ve never liked M&K, you probably won’t like this.

Swedish House Mafia

2010-11-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

Artist - Swedish House Mafia
Album - Until One
Label - Astralwerks

This is one for the clubs. I spent most of my early teenage years perusing Limewire for many of the Tiesto-like artists found on here, like Benassi, Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, David Guetta, TV Rock, Steve Angello, and Laidback Luke. In my recent, more musically enlightened years, I’ve perused music blogs for the more progressive artists found on here, such as Justice, Empire of the Sun, MGMT, and Miike Snow, while still retaining a guilty love for the aforementioned DJs. I liked the incorporation of indie hits into very danceable, club-worthy jams. Granted, the pieces used (Coldplay’s “Clocks” and MGMT’s “Kids”) are a little obvious, but whatever, Pharrell’s appearance makes up for it. As a whole the mix (at 24 tracks!) is a nonstop party with beats which manage to morph into different grooves while still maintaining a uniform sound. Yeah, it’s the same beats you’ve heard before, but that doesn’t make any less enjoyable. The only thing I wish I’d seen was a little more original material as opposed to just remixes, but I still give this a thumbs up.