I saw first saw The Dig this past spring with Portugal The Man at The Parish. They are great live. Their new full length album, Electric Toys, is finally out today so check it out and give it some consideration.If you like what you hear on the video posted above, head over to Red River Noise to read my review of Electric Toys and read an interview with The Dig also. Here are the links:
Vinyl Dharma is a five-piece indie-electro outfit from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas but has called Austin home for the past few years. After making an immediate entrance into the Live Music Capital’s local scene and capturing national attention on MTV2, Vinyl Dharma recently released what may be the best EP the Austin indie music scene has yet to embrace. The six-song, self-titled EP may be Austin’s best kept secret.
Austin’s new blogger buzz band, The White White Lights (TWWL), have just released their new EP, Medium Head Boy. The EP is a six song gem that gives fans that have seen them live in Austin for the past year or so something they can finally put in their iPod or car stereo. Medium Head Boy is serves also as their gift to new listeners who are tired of the endless stream of samesy indie bands talked about on every popular music blog. The new EP is a clear sign that The White White Lights are indeed this year’s new “it” band to come out of The Live Music Capital.
Most know Adam Green from his Moldy Peaches association. As put off as I was by that, I still opened his new Minor Love album and gave it a chance. After a handful of solo albums he released post Moldy Peaches, Green finally comes into his own on Minor Love. It was not the album I expected.
Today marks the official release of Vampire Weekend's long awaited 2nd album, Contra. Okay, so it has not been that long since their self titled debut. For current Vampire Weekend fans, and all indie fans for that matter, Contra couldn't have come out fast enough. The video for the fist single off Contra, "Cousins" hit YouTube in November 2009. Even M.E. Television has it regular rotation now.
Plus when it comes to indie, so many bands that come out of the gate with a lot of buzz don't sustain or stay hot. It is not the fault of the bands themselves, with the exception of a break up, but rather of the type of fans indie tends to draw. I'll just say it. Hipster fans only like what's hot now in their circles and once that goes main stream, they abandon you. Just ask Kings of Leon. Once hot bands should only be so lucky.
In regards to Contra, it will certainly please the ears and hearts of current Vampire Weekend fans. In all honesty, everything that is right is wrong with Contra. The good news is that it sounds like another Vampire Weekend album. The bad news is that is sounds just like another Vampire Weekend album. There isn't a sudden change of style or any experimentation outside their normal realm with the exception of a couple of songs. It is just a good indie album that proves Vampire Weekend are no fad. They may even be setting themselves up to be poster boys of the indie genre.
There are some stand out singles on Contra such as their first single, "Cousins", a song most fans already know by now. A quick little ditty just barely over two minutes in length, "Cousins" is fun and catchy little indie ride. Fast drumming and guitar strumming make for an interesting support sound for the Mexican surf-rock inspired sounds that make up the rest of the track. Did I mention this is such a catchy song?
Contra's opening track, "Horchata" is not the ode to my favorite Mexican beverage that I hoped it was, but it is my favorite track off the album. I love the kalimba thumb piano, as it very typical of the sounds of Veracruz, Mexico. This kind of hip world vibe reminds me of something Paul Simon would have done. The vocal echos and reverb are what make it their own versus being a direct Paul Simon clone.
Something else that stood out to me about Contra is that on "I Think UR a Contra", they used an acoustic guitar. This is actually the only song that really distinguishes Contra from their self titled debut in my mind. The orchestral string sounds create a sort of calm that allows Ezra Koenig (guitar/vocals) to finish mellowing you out. The acoustic guitar comes in during the last minute of the song, accompanied by the soft rattle of some maracas.
While these three for mentioned songs stand out, the entire album is worth purchasing for current Vampire Weekend fans. If you have already heard Vampire Weekend and couldn't get into them, Contra isn't going to win you over. If you are new or unfamiliar with Vampire Weekend, give Contra an honest listen. It may even be worth it for you to go back and pick up their self titled debut if like Contra.
Official video for "Cousins" off the new Vampire Weekend album, Contra:
Vampire Weekend will be in Austin on April 10th at Stubb's. To purchase tickets, visit Front Gate Tickets here. For more on Vampire Weekend, visit them on MySpace here.
(This review was written for and published on Double Stereo)
Anything and everything you read online about Austin singer-songwriter and violinist Carrie Rodriguez has the label “Americana” all over it. If there was such a genre called “post-Americana”, I think Carrie Rodriguez would be the poster child. In fact, she may have even invented the genre without meaning to or knowing it. For those non-music geeks, the label “post” usually refers to indie rock that is darker, has crunchy guitar riffs and typically lots of angst.
I didn’t really get that impression when I came across the first album I owned from Rodriguez, She Ain’t Me, about a year ago. I started to hear hints of the darker “post” sound when I went back and bought 2006’s Seven Angels on a Bicycle. On that album it seemed she experimented a little less and stuck to one sound. It is the album I prefer out of the two.
Ocote Soul Sounds is the combined musical genius of Adrian Quesada and Martin Perna. Both come from big bands, as in bands with lots of members and popularity, while coming from different worlds. Many of you may have seen them live recently with their friends, Thievery Corporation. They’ve played with some of the biggest names and most talented of musicians known and less known. With Coconut Rock, Ocote’s third release, they may have created something unique that holds its own that will make people forget about all of that.
Nacional Records recording artist and Chilean mix master, Latin Bitman, recently released his follow up album to his critically acclaimed debut entitled Colour. Multi-lingual, upbeat and funky, Colour feels too summery to be a fall record. None the less, it may just be what you need to warm up your iPod or morning commute. Every influence of Colour comes from someplace tropical like Puerto Rico, Jamaica or Brazil. What’s cool about Colour is that it is more international club versus being something too world music section, which makes it accessible to broader audiences.
Many of you may not know Landon Pigg by name, but you have probably heard his song “Falling In Love At a Coffee Shop” on AT&T commercials. If you went to the movie theaters to see Whip It, you may recognize his face. Now it is time you get to know Landon Pigg the musician, not the actor or commercial jingle singer. His new album, The Boy Who Never, might just make you forget he acts.
Many of you will purchase The Boy Who Never just because of “Falling In Love At a Coffee Shop”. It’s a soft, poetic love song made for chick flicks, Myspace profile songs and of course commercials. Many know it as the AT& T song, and that is the only thing not to love about it. Pigg’s high pitched vocal stylings take you in; while the cello provides the perfect romantic backdrop Pigg needs to compliment his acoustic guitar. Occasionally the piano drizzle a few notes which really complete the song. At this point, it is already a timeless classic.
As for the rest of The Boy Who Will Never, it is not worthy of the same high praise. For an album to generate interest based on a near perfect song set the bar high for Pigg. I didn’t expect more hits like “Coffee Shop”. There are a few good pop songs that people will love, but only Pigg’s hardcore fans will remember them. It’s a shame really, because Pigg is a talented artist.
“Take A Chance” is good pop song that sounds like something you’d hear by The Fray on a Top 40 radio station. With indie guitar sounds (spacey notes, crunchy guitar) and heavy bass line, it is a song that even pretentious hipster audiences would love. It is a more up tempo love song about letting that special someone in and “taking that chance” on a relationship.
For those looking for more great ballads from Pigg, “Look So Tired” should give you your fix. Other noteworthy tracks include the brass accompanied “A Ghost” and the folksy “Made For Glory”. Pigg is totally capable of making great pop songs that don’t’ sound like the slow ballads he is best known for. He already proved that to me when he released his This is a Pigg EP.
Landon Pigg is a talented artist who should remain a mainstay in music world and specifically in the Top 40 realm. For those not yet familiar with Pigg, think of him as the love child of James Blunt and The Fray. That’s how he sounds to me. I’d love to see him take high singing voice to a track that rocks a little harder to see how that would sound. Continue to expect big things from Pigg in the future.
Checkout the video for “Falling In Love In a Coffeeshop” off of Landon Pigg’s album, The Boy Who Will Never:
The Swellers have just released what will be their most commercial album of their career, Ups And Downsizing. While still sounding very much like The Swellers of old that I loved so much; the Flint, Michigan punk rockers softened up a bit. Don’t worry Swellers fans, like I said….it was only a bit.
First let me get straight to the stuff I did not enjoy and am disappointed in. There’s not much, but I have this need to put it out there. “Stars” is really bad attempt at a ballad. It starts off acoustic and then leads into a ‘80s hair band metal electric guitar solo. I get it Swellers, you have a cheesey and sensitive side. I’m just not feeling it on that one.
There also some fillers that were okay, but not what I feel is their best work. The ‘90s style pop punk track, “Do You Feel Better Yet”, sounds very generic. I can’t pinpoint what it lacks, but something’s not there to give it the punch it needs. “Feet First” is another album filler that reminds me of something on an Offspring album. Perhaps if you love Offspring, you’ll enjoy it. Again, being that I am an old fan of The Swellers, I am used to better efforts.
All that being said, the rest of Ups And Downsizing is fantastic. My biggest fear that The Swellers would sound like a male fronted Paramore when signed to Fueled By Ramen were put to rest. They did not lose their punk rock sensibilities, nor did they stay away from harder punk as evident by “The Iron”. It is a quick two and half minute Rancid meets Rise Against punk rock gem. It follows the theme of nothing is hopeless and anything can be overcome, which is actually the theme of most of the songs on Ups And Downsizing.
Another fast, old school 90s punk rock style track on the album that I absolutely loved is “Dirt”. It is the sound that I have always loved from The Swellers. It’s hardcore punk meets the rock stylings of bands like Rise Against, while being just unthreatening enough for Paramore’s audience not to be afraid of it. The Swellers may also be the only Fueled By Ramen band to use the lyric “Motherfuckers” in a song. I love it.
The same great pop meets punk balance can be can found on “Fire Away”, their first single off Ups And Downsizing. It is hard enough for the old Swellers fans, but once again approachable enough for new fans. You will love the punk rock like breaks and the catchy chorus you can sing along with. Speaking of pop punk, “Sleepers” is the best pop punk track on Ups And Downsizing. Just give it a listen and you’ll hear. You will catch yourself singing along like a thirteen year old girl at her first Warped Tour.
Current Swellers fans, you probably already have this album and are going to love it no matter what a review suggests. For those not familiar with The Swellers, know that Ups And Downsizing is their more pop album in comparison to their 2007 release, My Everest. I still prefer My Everest, but am not disappointed with their new album and the new heights Fueled By Ramen will undoubtedly take them to. Be sure to check their Myspace page for tour dates with Paramore.
Review originally published on Double Stereo. For more great music, blogs, videos and downloads, check outwww.doublestereo.com
Indie-folk artist, A.A. Bondy, is not a household name. He will not be selling out stadiums or topping the Billboard charts anytime soon, but you will certainly like him if you listen to his music. If you already have Bondy’s first album, American Hearts, then you already love him. Now that I have heard Bondy’s latest album, I understand why that is.
A.A. Bondy’s sophomore album, When The Devil’s Loose, just became one of my new favorite albums. Released at the beginning of the month, I have listened to it for a around three weeks now. I kept listening for anything negative or imperfect that maybe I didn’t catch previously before I wrote about it. I refused to believe that albums this close to perfect exist anymore, as if it were something of the past. It’s like my dad says to me, “There’s music and then there’s music”. A.A. Bondy makes music.
At the beginning of When The Devil’s Loose, the acoustic guitar intro to “Mightiest of Guns” sound like musical rain drops. Not much else joins the guitar as Bondy begins to sing. His voice is that of a hip, indie rock band lead singer but with the Dlyan-esque warmth that great folk singers possess. He has that old school warmth that too many popular artists lack.
The title track, “When The Devil’s Loose” is my personal favorite on the album. It is a fantastic blues song disguised as indie-folk. Accompanied by a violin and floating guitar notes, it is difficult not to just lose yourself and not focus on whatever you were doing before the song started. Your mind just drifts.
For those who prefer more country or Americana sounds, “The Mercy Wheel” takes a page out of the classic Americana handbook without any twang or indie pretentiousness. There’s a beautiful piano accompaniment to Bondy’s somber and melancholy vocals. It saddens me to listen to it not just because of the lyrics themselves but it is the second to last song on an album you don’t want to end. From beginning to end, When The Devil’s Loose, is music at its absolute best.
Give a look and listen to A.A. Bondy on this great video I came across of Bondy performing "Mightiest of Guns".
Telaranas y Telaperros are a talented young indie band originally from Atlanta, Georgia who are now based in Dallas, Texas. According to their bio, their influences lie with Joy Division, Silvio Rodriguez, and old Spanish Literature. In fact their band’s name comes from a line in the popular Pablo Neruda poem, Testamento de Otono. That alone should tell you that they see things, hear things, and think differently than most.
They are currently working on new material due out this fall. I absolutely love this band and regret not having discovered them sooner. For those of you who do not understand Spanish, fear not. They do sing in English as well, but their music is definitely capable of crossing over into English language markets. This is the kind of music Pitchfork and Paste Magazine are made of.
After three albums and an Austin Music Award, The Band of Heathens are finally set to release their second studio release this week. Their new album, One Foot In The Ether, will not only win them more awards but also more fans. Even though you’ll probably find it in the “country” or “Americana” sections of most record stores, it also belongs in music collections of Black Crowes fans, John Mellencamp fans and even Eagles fans. Reason being, there is so many more musical elements in place on One Foot In The Ether; roots rock, gospel, soul, blues, and southern rock even. They are just too talented and musically diverse to be put in a box.
Speaking of diverse, part of that diversity comes from having three talented frontmen: Ed Juri, Gordy Quist and Colin Brooks. On the album’s opener, “L.A. County Blues”, a blues guitar riff and an organ introduce you to Ed Juri. With its country sensibilities and Juri’s vocals, “La County Blues” is one of the album’s many sure fire singles. I am going to go out on a limb early and call it a “beer drinkin’ classic. It also happens to be about journalist and author, Hunter S. Thompson.
After a few beers and the blues country sounds of “L.A. County Blues”, take it to church with the gospel stylings of “Shine A Light”. If that’s not enough for you, then turn the volume up on “What’s This World”. A feel good but reality check on life, “What’s This World” is certainly a spiritual calling in its own right. Someone looking for a campaign song or a song for a campaign commercial needs to give it a listen.
My personal favorite on One Foot In The Ether is easily “Look At Miss Ohio”. This bluesy, country, folk-rock hybrid is about a girl wanting to do right… but just not right now. The soulful rasp of the vocals and blues guitar riffs blend really nicely with the piano. The musical composition outshines the song’s lyrics, as they are rather simple. Sometimes the “KISS” method can be the way to go. I’d love to ask Gilian Welch (the song writer) one day about the story behind “Look At Miss Ohio”.
Overall, One Foot In The Ether is a solid album from beginning to end. Its musical diversity is to be commended and the critical acclaim should be flooding in soon if hasn’t already. Add The Band of Heathens to the list of artists you used to be able to see for around ten bucks. After this album, those days will be long gone. (Review originally published on September 14th on www.doublestereo.com)
One Foot In The Ether is available today nationwide on BOH Records.
For more on The Band of Heathens, visit their official website at www.bandofheathens.com.
If You Want It is Pacha Massive’s follow up album to their successful debut, All Good Things. The New York based Latin Fusion group, fronted by Dominican born DJ Nova, was the hottest new band in the Latin Alternative market in 2008 after MTV3 chose them as their first “Duscubre and Download” artist. Their single, “Don’t Let Go”, is a timeless classic that even non-Latinos will be groovin’ to for quite a while. It is because of their early success that my expectations for a second album from them were sky high.
New pop punk group, Let’s Get It, recently released their new Digital Spaces EP last month. I admit it took me a while to get to it simply because I was weeding through all the other bad pop-punk albums that came my way recently. This genre they are in, pop-punk, is so flooded with run of the mill or generic Fall Out Boy clones that it is often off putting to me. It makes me pessimistic of this genre in terms of being able to evolve beyond what I have heard thus far. Let’s Get It shows me that this genre is not going anywhere and new sounds will come to pop punk.
Although short on content, Digital Spaces is a great sampling of what a future Let’s Get It album could sound like. Although they do use plenty of the token synthesizers, samples and voice encoders in their songs, they have something special other bands don't have. What sets them apart from other bands is Joe, their lead singer. He will unfairly stand out to many as he is the only African American member. What makes him stand out for me and what people should pay attention to is his voice. He could sing anything he wanted…pop, R&B, whatever. Despite the cheesy title, “Duck, Duck, Grey Goose” shows off Joe’s vocal range and R&B sensibilities while still keeping it pop-punk. The mere mention of the popular vodka is very hip hop cliché though. If you can’t forgive that, then listen to “Ciroc & Roll”. It takes a page out of the Fall Out Boy pop-punk book with its group sing along in the chorus. Still, I still can’t help but like it. Joe can sing. “Shoot For Teams” is another good, high energy track that the scene kids will enjoy. Again, I attribute it all to young Joe’s voice. That boy is crunk and he will carry this band into greater success if they stick with the same musical formula applied to Digital Spaces.
The Black And White Years are arguably the biggest Red River all star in terms of indie rock. Their single “Power To Change” is always on the local alternative rock radio station. They took home a bag of Austin Music awards this year. All I can say is that is about time they put out some new recordings on CD, even if just an EP. Nursery Myths, due out September 19th, is your first taste of will be a must own album due in 2010.
The Black And White Years will take to the road to support the release of the EP including their first-ever appearances in Los Angeles in September before returning to Austin for an EP Release Show at Mohawk on September 19th. East coast dates are planned for October and November. The band has performed at Austin City Limits Music Festival, Wireless Music Festival in London, MIDEM in Cannes, CMJ Music Marathon, and the past three South By Southwest Music Festivals.
For more on The Black And White Years, check out the following links:
Here's a little video taste of The Black And White Years. I like this video, although they do have better songs. It's their official video for "Zeroes and Ones".
Named after the Patron Saint of Musicians, La Santa Cecilia is a musical blessing. Elements of Norteno accordion, Mexican Folklorico, and even Conjunto all come together to form the Los Angeles based sextet. If you listen carefully to their self titled EP, you will hear more subtle elements of Latin music such as Bolero and Cumbia. Fronted by the one they call "La Marisoul", La Santa Cecilia offers traditional sonidos for your parents and grandparents, while having enough soul for all of us to appreciate.
Having already created some internet buzz in their home country of Canada, The Junction will surely create some indie buzz here stateside once they get a U.S. tour going. This indie trio from Brampton sounds s good as anything else making news in the indie world and has some real strong singles. A new video for their single “My Love Was There” was what first caught my attention. After enjoying that, I wanted the rest of their new album, Another Link In The Chain.
Fueled By Ramen’s pop punk darling, Cobra Starship, recently released their third album entitled Hot Mess. They are already getting radio play around the country with their first single off Hot Mess, “Good Girls Go Bad” featuring Gossip girl actress Leighton Meester. I can't stop singing it. I don't want to love it, but I do.
Does HotMess live up to the hype of the smash first single? I wondered the answer to that myself before listening to it all the way through. That’s a lot to live up to.
I can’t even begin to tell you about the countless country or Americana albums come through my mail box, digital or hard copy. Most of them sound like your run of the mill “new country” wannabes who would make the country forefathers turn over in their grave. Even as just a casual fan of the genre, I can hear the difference between what’s good and what isn’t. I grew up in the South almost all my life, so country is something you can’t avoid if you tried. Now it is not often I will write about or review anything country(ish), but today I found something worth talking about. Country singer, songwriter, and Texas native Johnny Cooper is worth a listen. His new album, Follow, made it to my iPod.
Ian is a graduate of Round Rock High School and attended St Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. In 2008 he joined the team at Double Stereo (formerly CD Fuse) as their Blog editor where he reviewed concerts, albums, and did interviews for the popular music site.In January 2009, he became the Editor in Chief for Austin Vida. In 2010, with the help of some of his most talented friends, he launched Red River Noise. "Ian's Music Blog" is also one of the few blogs selected to be a Do512 All-Star.
On any given night of the week he can be found in downtown Austin on 6th Street and the Red River live music district.
If You Want It is Pacha Massive’s follow up album to their successful debut, All Good Things. The New York based Latin Fusion group, fronted by Dominican born DJ Nova, was the hottest new band in the Latin Alternative market in 2008 after MTV3 chose them as their first “Duscubre and Download” artist. Their single, “Don’t Let Go”, is a timeless classic that even non-Latinos will be groovin’ to for quite a while. It is because of their early success that my expectations for a second album from them were sky high.
New pop punk group, Let’s Get It, recently released their new Digital Spaces EP last month. I admit it took me a while to get to it simply because I was weeding through all the other bad pop-punk albums that came my way recently. This genre they are in, pop-punk, is so flooded with run of the mill or generic Fall Out Boy clones that it is often off putting to me. It makes me pessimistic of this genre in terms of being able to evolve beyond what I have heard thus far. Let’s Get It shows me that this genre is not going anywhere and new sounds will come to pop punk.
Despite the cheesy title, “Duck, Duck, Grey Goose” shows off Joe’s vocal range and R&B sensibilities while still keeping it pop-punk. The mere mention of the popular vodka is very hip hop cliché though. If you can’t forgive that, then listen to “Ciroc & Roll”. It takes a page out of the Fall Out Boy pop-punk book with its group sing along in the chorus. Still, I still can’t help but like it. Joe can sing. “Shoot For Teams” is another good, high energy track that the scene kids will enjoy. Again, I attribute it all to young Joe’s voice. That boy is crunk and he will carry this band into greater success if they stick with the same musical formula applied to Digital Spaces.
photo by Jake Holt
Named after the Patron Saint of Musicians, La Santa Cecilia is a musical blessing. Elements of Norteno accordion, Mexican Folklorico, and even Conjunto all come together to form the Los Angeles based sextet. If you listen carefully to their self titled EP, you will hear more subtle elements of Latin music such as Bolero and Cumbia. Fronted by the one they call "La Marisoul", La Santa Cecilia offers traditional sonidos for your parents and grandparents, while having enough soul for all of us to appreciate.
Having already created some internet buzz in their home country of Canada, The Junction will surely create some indie buzz here stateside once they get a U.S. tour going. This indie trio from Brampton sounds s good as anything else making news in the indie world and has some real strong singles. A new video for their single “My Love Was There” was what first caught my attention. After enjoying that, I wanted the rest of their new album, Another Link In The Chain.
Fueled By Ramen’s pop punk darling, Cobra Starship, recently released their third album entitled Hot Mess. They are already getting radio play around the country with their first single off Hot Mess, “Good Girls Go Bad” featuring Gossip girl actress Leighton Meester. I can't stop singing it. I don't want to love it, but I do.
I can’t even begin to tell you about the countless country or Americana albums come through my mail box, digital or hard copy. Most of them sound like your run of the mill “new country” wannabes who would make the country forefathers turn over in their grave. Even as just a casual fan of the genre, I can hear the difference between what’s good and what isn’t. I grew up in the South almost all my life, so country is something you can’t avoid if you tried. Now it is not often I will write about or review anything country(ish), but today I found something worth talking about. Country singer, songwriter, and Texas native Johnny Cooper is worth a listen. His new album, Follow, made it to my iPod.
