To be honest, I haven’t spent much time with Figurines’ previous work. Though I’ve been told a few times I would really enjoy it. So when I saw a note in my inbox that they’ve got a new one on the way and that this here video had been released, I figured it was time I dig in and check them out. And whoever told me I would enjoy this band was spot on — “Hanging From Above” is a phenomenal song! Read More »Figurines: Hanging From Above [Video]
Until The Light Takes Us documents the rise in popularity of Norwegian black metal and death metal in the early 90s. Based loosely around two instrumental band members of Darkthrone, the film peeks into the origins but focuses heavily on the cultural aspect that, politically, turned the country into a frenzy. While never really skewing one way or another, Until The Light peers into the somewhat torn soul of Fenriz, who focuses all his energy and passion on the music he creates. Throughout the film, we come to understand that Fenriz lives for the music and get the impression that he struggled greatly with the political leanings of Varg Vikernes of Burzum, who was sentenced to prison in 1993 for 21 years after being convicted of murder and several counts of arson. Read More »Until The Light Takes Us [Video Review]
Seattle garage rock outfit Tea Cozies boasted production by Erik Blood on their 2009 release Hot Probs. They’re back with a sound that’s really, really good. Listening to their new single, “Dead Man’s Sister”, I can’t help but think of current hot bands like Best Coast, La Sera, and Dum Dum Girls. These ladies and gents fit the mold, with light fuzz meets heavy reverb, dreamy vocal melodies meet punchy guitar riffs. What’s stunning, however, is that “Dead Man’s Sister” holds in it an originality that Tea Cozies can call their own. It’s catchy as all hell, highly dance-worthy, yet not overdone. Read More »Tea Cozies: Dead Man’s Sister [Video]
I’m not much one for putting together a news item. I prefer writing features and reviews than pushing out the latest bit of news, but with a few new signings from Sub Pop, I figured I’d do a one-part introductory list, one-part news bit. Yes, in the last week or so, Sub Pop has signed a few new bands. They are as follows: Niki And The Dove, Still Corners, and Memoryhouse. All three write hauntingly beautiful songs, some of which you can hear/see below. Read More »Sub Pop Signs Three New Artists
Thumping bass lines and trouncing, heavy drums often are direct links to dub, and they are here, but Dag för Dag keeps things interesting thanks to a massive penchant for garage rock. Yes, they mesh the two for a sound entirely intoxicating. “I Am The Assassin” capitalizes on this unique blend, creating something both haunting and mesmerizing. Read More »Dag för Dag: I Am The Assassin [Video]
A few days ago I wrote a piece on Beat Connection’s new LP, Surf Noir, which coincidentally went live a few hours ago. Shortly after wrapping that piece, I discovered their video for “Silver Screen”, crafted by Seattle’s DUMB EYES. Peruse DUMB EYES’s library of videos and you’ll find some pretty trippy stuff. But none, in my opinion, top their work on “Silver Screen”. Dizzying, kaleidoscope-like footage blended with video of the Beat Connection duo is what we get. That and a lot of flashing lights and layered footage, all of which complement Beat Connection’s style of psychedelic loops and chillwave. Read More »Beat Connection: Silver Screen [Video]
With light piano and Kristin Stokes’ chamber-hall-like echoing vocals, Lawrence & Leigh open “Chelsea Nights” in a dream-like state. Soon Andrew Kalleen takes over with crisp yet mellow, folk-ridden vocals. The listener is treated to a dreamy pop song, inundated with hints of 60s folk and infused with the free spirit of jazz. Highly intriguing vocal harmonies extend into Kristin’s near Dark Side of the Moon improvised shrieks. In “Chelsea Nights”, Lawrence & Leigh have succeeded in their mission to create expansive, unique music. Read More »Lawrence & Leigh: Chelsea Nights [Video]
In 2009, Darlings‘ debut LP, Yeah I Know, cracked my top ten albums of the year. Well the NYC-based garage rock band is back with a new EP, due to drop on Famous Class Records in mid-March. If “Big Girl” is a tell-tale sign of what’s to come, Warma promises to be just as raucous and fun, lo-fi and in-your-face as the previous LP. “Big Girl” on video is a dimly-lit (apparently by flashlight) performance by the band, cast in a pale, near sepia-style yellow. Read More »Darlings: Big Girl [Video]
Sindri Már Sigfússon is on a roll. In 2009, his Clangour under Sin Fang (then Sin Fang Bous) received a top 10 place. 2010 saw his full Icelandic group, Seabear, crack the top 5 with We Built A Fire. Sindri is back with his follow up to Clangour. The album is called Summer Echoes and it drops March 15 thanks to Morr Music. As his projects go, the video for “Because Of The Blood” includes psychedelic mixed-media elements. And he dons a beard of doilies. Read More »Sin Fang: Because Of The Blood [Video]
I think my exact words upon hearing this song and starting this video, as posted to my personal Facebook page, were “OMG. OBSESSION. SRLSLY.” Although, being a few beers deep in a local pub, I misspelled “seriously.” Sleep Party People‘s XSESSIONS video for the song “10 Feet Up” finds the band creating wildly psychedelic noises that simply must be heard. And they’re wearing bunny masks and dressed in all black, tight clothing. Sleep Party People hints of Sweden’s The Knife, but without all that creepy stuff.
Read More »Sleep Party People: 10 Feet Up [Video]
