Introducing Watch Out For Rockets; a quartet hailing from Austin, Texas. This band have gained a lot of momentum in the past 12months on the blogosphere and even been named in Indie Rock Cafe's bands to watch out for 2011.
Their name sounds like that of a sappy "Emo Pop" band such as We the Kings or The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus but thankfully they fall far far away from bands like this. I would describe this outfit as Psychadelic Punk Pop, and then some. I find it very difficult to categorize this group into one genre or even a handful of genres which is always exciting when dealing with a relatively unknown up and coming group.
They manage to bounce between genres on all their songs which is usually a dangerous move but I find that they succeed with ease. Their style of music is undoubtedly not defined even by the band yet who remain trying to find that niche at which they are most comfortable. They are clearly very influenced by Spoon which is obviously a good influence to draw from, however I feel at times they almost try to replicate them - it's a fine line.
They are a very generous group who at http://watchoutforrockets.bandcamp.com/ have made 5 full EP's available for free download so get listening folks!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
WE CAN'T ENJOY OURSELVES -Hang Back With The Brutes
I've been getting some hassle for not plugging some american bands so here we go; My first act to introduce is We can't enjoy ourselves, fresh off the streets of Brooklyn, NYC. This trio are the definition of indie pop and contrary to their name definitely sound like their having fun.
Thanks to Bandcamp i have been listening to their LP (for free)on repeat for the past few days and loving this track in particular. The guitar riff's are energetic and from the intro we're greeted with an upbeat rhythm. The lead singer Giovanni Saldarriaga brings incredible vocal control and range to the witty pop songs. He is very much like Colin Meloy (of The Decemberists) in both his vocals and live stage performance.
We can't enjoy ourselves will become known for weaving simple, catchy, upbeat pop gems. You can't help but enjoy yourself as you listen to this tune.
For my metropolitan readers in the tri-state area, you can catch this exciting new act at ; Bruar Falls in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY at 8pm on March 12. Its a bargain for $8, go check them out before they pick up steam and blow up!
Find them here: http://www.myspace.com/wecantenjoyourselves
WE CAN'T ENJOY OURSELVES - One Belongs Here More Than You - 03 Hang Back With The Brutes
Thanks to Bandcamp i have been listening to their LP (for free)on repeat for the past few days and loving this track in particular. The guitar riff's are energetic and from the intro we're greeted with an upbeat rhythm. The lead singer Giovanni Saldarriaga brings incredible vocal control and range to the witty pop songs. He is very much like Colin Meloy (of The Decemberists) in both his vocals and live stage performance.
We can't enjoy ourselves will become known for weaving simple, catchy, upbeat pop gems. You can't help but enjoy yourself as you listen to this tune.
For my metropolitan readers in the tri-state area, you can catch this exciting new act at ; Bruar Falls in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY at 8pm on March 12. Its a bargain for $8, go check them out before they pick up steam and blow up!
Find them here: http://www.myspace.com/wecantenjoyourselves
WE CAN'T ENJOY OURSELVES - One Belongs Here More Than You - 03 Hang Back With The Brutes
Friday, February 18, 2011
Radiohead- Codex
Radiohead's latest offering dropped today (Feb 18th) on digital release. The album titled "King Of Limbs" was moved forward a day on release due to the band abandoning plans to release it via a big screen in Tokyo. The album as a whole is simply beautiful, its a master craft which only Thom Yorke and Co could produce.
The standout track from me is the eerie, nature driven, and mysterious "Codex". This song is undoubtedly one of the purest, most honest songs I have ever listened to - its simply AMAZING. The combination of the beautiful piano instrumental and Thom's falsetto creates a very sombre, engaging vibe to the song. The song lacks any epic climax or a godlike solo from Johnny but there not needed. This song is innovative, its passionate and its raw - all these factors make it beautiful. This song is a real grower- first listen; its okay.However, by the 4th or 5th listen, I was infatuated by this song. It moves you, thats the passion and power that Radiohead present in their music. At the 4 minute mark we are greeted by a string section which lifts the song perfectly and is a fantastic addition.
My opinion is that this song will be the fan favorite over time. It is undoubtedly a grower and has a new feel to it but it has character and is brimming with sincerity. This song for me, is worth the cost of the album alone.
Buy the album here: http://www.thekingoflimbs.com/
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Naked and Famous- Punching In A Dream
The Naked and Famous are a five piece indie band hailing from New Zealand. The band is comprised of Thom Powers,Alisa Xayalith, Aaron Short, David Beadle and Jesse Wood. Their debut album “Passive Me, Aggressive You” was released on the “Somewhat Damaged” label during September 2010 (in New Zealand). On 6 December 2010, the BBC announced that The Naked and Famous had been nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll. They were also named in NME's list of bands to watch out for in 2011 - I couldn't agree more!
Punching In A Dream is the third single off their debut album released on the Polydor label in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2010. Their indie pop sound is an elaborative combination of psychedelic guitars, modern indie synths, captivating melodies and a soaring chorus to top it all off. Typically, I am not a fan of a female lead vocalist (strictly personal preference) but for some reason Alisa really engages me, her tone is so soothing and mellow that I just can't help but enjoy their sound. Her vocals soar on the chorus as she echoes; "Wait, I don't ever want to be here, Like punching in a dream breathing life into the nightmare."
My verdict: My favorite band right now, without a doubt. Their whole album is fantastic, creative, original. I will be buying my ticket for May 4th and I honestly cannot recommend this quintet highly enough.
The band has announced performances at SXSW 2011 and will be touring alongside British Band Foals and Brooklyn's Freelance Whales starting April 10th in Vancouver, Canada BC with a performance on May 4th in New York City (Terminal 5). There album will also have a North American release date in March, 2011.
From first listen this band screams MGMT, Passion Pit, Miami Horror - so all you guys who listen to these bands, This one is a sure fire hit with you!!
Check them out here: http://www.thenakedandfamous.com/
Punching In A Dream is the third single off their debut album released on the Polydor label in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2010. Their indie pop sound is an elaborative combination of psychedelic guitars, modern indie synths, captivating melodies and a soaring chorus to top it all off. Typically, I am not a fan of a female lead vocalist (strictly personal preference) but for some reason Alisa really engages me, her tone is so soothing and mellow that I just can't help but enjoy their sound. Her vocals soar on the chorus as she echoes; "Wait, I don't ever want to be here, Like punching in a dream breathing life into the nightmare."
My verdict: My favorite band right now, without a doubt. Their whole album is fantastic, creative, original. I will be buying my ticket for May 4th and I honestly cannot recommend this quintet highly enough.
The band has announced performances at SXSW 2011 and will be touring alongside British Band Foals and Brooklyn's Freelance Whales starting April 10th in Vancouver, Canada BC with a performance on May 4th in New York City (Terminal 5). There album will also have a North American release date in March, 2011.
From first listen this band screams MGMT, Passion Pit, Miami Horror - so all you guys who listen to these bands, This one is a sure fire hit with you!!
Check them out here: http://www.thenakedandfamous.com/
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Yellow Wire - Last Breath
Yellow Wire is the solo project of Singer-Songwriter Ol Beach. The project began in the year 2008 following the split of his preceding project "Wire Daisies". The band had enjoyed some success in Europe with a few songs available on iTunes and a spot on a famous Brazilian Soap Opera. However, Ol felt a new direction was needed in his music and set off on his solo path of discovery. This track is the follow up to the first single released in mid-2010; "Where Is The Summer?"
The beauty of Ol's music is that you can sit back, soak it in and it really does capture you. The lyrics albeit simple are honest, raw and compelling. The melodies are catchy and this song in it's entirety is undoubtedly a song of reflection, bewilderment and missed opportunities. This is a song anyone can relate to, who hasn't felt the pain of a heart left wanting? Well, Yellow Wire capture this pain and emotion in emphatic fashion. The crashing guitars and heart-felt, soaring vocals of Ol Beach only add to the power of this anthem.
Fans of Bon Iver, The National, Band of Horses - This is your band to watch out for in 2011!
Check out Yellow Wire here: www.yellowwire.co.uk/
The beauty of Ol's music is that you can sit back, soak it in and it really does capture you. The lyrics albeit simple are honest, raw and compelling. The melodies are catchy and this song in it's entirety is undoubtedly a song of reflection, bewilderment and missed opportunities. This is a song anyone can relate to, who hasn't felt the pain of a heart left wanting? Well, Yellow Wire capture this pain and emotion in emphatic fashion. The crashing guitars and heart-felt, soaring vocals of Ol Beach only add to the power of this anthem.
Fans of Bon Iver, The National, Band of Horses - This is your band to watch out for in 2011!
Check out Yellow Wire here: www.yellowwire.co.uk/
Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know
I'm going to sound biased plugging an Irish band but honestly, these lads are the real deal! I seen them play live in NYC a few weeks back and their energy and presence in a live atmosphere really only instilled my belief that their destined for greatness. The band hail from Northern Ireland and their debut album "Tourist History" was released in March 2010 (in Europe). They are currently signed to the French label Kitsune Music.
This single "What You know" is a bouncy, energetic number with a real feel-good factor to it. The lead singer Alex Trimble looks about 15 years old so that stern voice is quite humorous coming from him. This band is breaking the mold of Northern Irish bands (Snow patrol, Ash, etc) by peddling an awkward form of Electropop which really engages us constant optimists. Their songs are brimming with hope and dreams of happy endings perhaps due to the fact that after years of struggling to catch a break they have meteorically been catapulted to the forefront of the indie scene and are gaining fans by the second - and rightfully so!!
My verdict: Great song from an outstanding trio!
PS- Kanye West posted this video on his blog a few weeks ago so clearly I am not alone in my love of Two Door Cinema Club.
Check them out here: http://twodoorcinemaclub.com/
This single "What You know" is a bouncy, energetic number with a real feel-good factor to it. The lead singer Alex Trimble looks about 15 years old so that stern voice is quite humorous coming from him. This band is breaking the mold of Northern Irish bands (Snow patrol, Ash, etc) by peddling an awkward form of Electropop which really engages us constant optimists. Their songs are brimming with hope and dreams of happy endings perhaps due to the fact that after years of struggling to catch a break they have meteorically been catapulted to the forefront of the indie scene and are gaining fans by the second - and rightfully so!!
My verdict: Great song from an outstanding trio!
PS- Kanye West posted this video on his blog a few weeks ago so clearly I am not alone in my love of Two Door Cinema Club.
Check them out here: http://twodoorcinemaclub.com/
Frankie & Heartstrings - Hunger
This Sunderland outfit have been getting a lot of publicity lately on the blogosphere and even in established fields such as NME who have been bigging these guys up for a while now. This group has a certain cocky, brash, and even rebellious vibe to them in this title track taken from their forthcoming debut album (Hunger - released February 21st). The chorus is anthemic as it echoes; “we’re waiting for you/ we’re waiting for you/ to come out tonight”.
This band really reminds me of Dexy's midnight runners except Frankie Francis belts out the tunes like a natural born frontman, he brings a true hip vibe to this band with his obvious cocky nature shining through.
The band are clearly influenced by Franz Ferdinand which for me is a negative, I have never been a fan and would certainly never style a band on the exploits of Franz Ferdinand. I wouldn't go as far as some people and dub these lads the next "big thing" but I do see a market out there for some hip indie kids who don't take themselves too seriously. I think a lack of attention from the media on this group could bring forth an even greater effort on their follow up album.
Check them out at http://frankieandtheheartstrings.com/
This band really reminds me of Dexy's midnight runners except Frankie Francis belts out the tunes like a natural born frontman, he brings a true hip vibe to this band with his obvious cocky nature shining through.
The band are clearly influenced by Franz Ferdinand which for me is a negative, I have never been a fan and would certainly never style a band on the exploits of Franz Ferdinand. I wouldn't go as far as some people and dub these lads the next "big thing" but I do see a market out there for some hip indie kids who don't take themselves too seriously. I think a lack of attention from the media on this group could bring forth an even greater effort on their follow up album.
Check them out at http://frankieandtheheartstrings.com/
Mirrors - Into the heart
Mirrors are a band originating in Brighton (England) and comprised of 3 members. Their debut album "lights and offerings" will be released on February 28th in the United Kingdom. The track "into the heart" is their single officially released today. The band won't be winning awards for their creativity anytime soon with the song being highly repetitive ("into the heart that wallows in the dark"). However, their sound is very unique and has me wanting to hear more.
From the outset, the band reminded me of one of my favorite current artists HURTS, however they fell short of reaching such great heights in my opinion. Their sound resembles a church organ combined with indie-synths and electronic beats and the frontman's tone reminded me of of Jarvis Cocker. The band seems to be strongly influenced by the early 80's specifically perhaps bands such as Depeche Mode and Echo and the Bunnymen perhaps.
Overall, I am definitely intrigued by their sound and the instrumentals they bring with their music. Personally, I am a huge fan of well constructed, creative lyrics and mirrors is definitely lacking in that department. However, I still find myself enjoying this song and excited to see what they put forth in their debut album. The only question that remains is; Will the mirrors become tiring fast? I'll find out on February 28th when their album drops.
Check them out at www.myspace.com/mirrorsmirrorsmirrors
From the outset, the band reminded me of one of my favorite current artists HURTS, however they fell short of reaching such great heights in my opinion. Their sound resembles a church organ combined with indie-synths and electronic beats and the frontman's tone reminded me of of Jarvis Cocker. The band seems to be strongly influenced by the early 80's specifically perhaps bands such as Depeche Mode and Echo and the Bunnymen perhaps.
Overall, I am definitely intrigued by their sound and the instrumentals they bring with their music. Personally, I am a huge fan of well constructed, creative lyrics and mirrors is definitely lacking in that department. However, I still find myself enjoying this song and excited to see what they put forth in their debut album. The only question that remains is; Will the mirrors become tiring fast? I'll find out on February 28th when their album drops.
Check them out at www.myspace.com/mirrorsmirrorsmirrors
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