DJ Mehdi is Somebody

DJ Mehdi is one of the lesser known up and comers from the Ed Banger record label, hailing from Paris France, but that by no means means that his beats don't hit as hard or aren't as slamming. From the humble big beat of "Busy Being Born" to the track "Pony Rockin' " which sounds like the high pitched voice from the P-Funk on the mic at a Herbie Hancock show, the album offers up some smashing beats. The best and most addictive track and contender for track of the summer, "I am Somebody" is a 3 minute blast of synth funk provided courtesy of Chromeo. When the song ends the first time, the chorus will be etched into your mind and you will yearn for the replay button. If you need more synth funk, "Hot-O-Momo" featuring the vocals of Xanax, has not only the quick synth hits but also the mumbling inter-chorus vocals that are reminiscent of Prince.

While the beats are well produced, the only tracks that really stand out are the singles with vocals. The other tracks start to get repetitive and arduous as you get closer to being at the end. The explosive singles almost make up for the lack of substance in the other tracks, but don't let the flashy, repetitive beats deter you from enjoying one of the best dance tracks I've heard this summer and remember you are somebody.

DJ Mehdi Myspace

MP3 - I Am Somebody - DJ Mehdi (Feat. Chromeo)

Buy "Lucky Boy"

The Cure choose 65 Days of Static

It doesn't surprise me that the Cure chose instrumentalists 65 Days of Static to support them on their upcoming tour. Everything about 65 Days of static has the atmosphere and emotion that would go perfectly next to any Cure track. From beautiful fluttering melodies to rumbling bass lines, to spastic guitar solos, to glitchy breakdowns, their wild mood swings have an undeniable momentum. Their selection also makes me curious as to what the new Cure songs will sound like since Robert Smith has an uncanny ability to find new ways of communicating through music and filtering them into a distinct 'Cure' style.

Anyway, 65 Days of Static sound like mainstream rock radio torn down, and then rebuilt by a master craftsman. All of the drama, the pathos and the stage theatrics of the wannabe post-post-post-grunge nu-rockers is there, except there is more depth, more feeling and more raw talent. If they ever did add vocals it would destroy that delicate balance that draws in your casual radio listener as well as pique the interest of those listeners with a more sophisticated palette. All the difference in the world is made by a hint of subtlety. It's not often that you find something that indulges the rudimentary taste of the top 40, while at the same time provides the depth of a critical gem. Their new album, "The Destruction of Small Ideas" offers up more of the peerless cerebral rock that is garnering them even more attention.

MP3 - 65 Days of Static - Don't Go Down to Sorrow

MP3 - 65 Days of Static - When We Were Younger and Better

Don't Go Down to Sorrow Video:

New VHS or Beta

VHS or Beta posted 2 new tracks off of their upcoming "Bring on the Comets" album. I have to say they sound quite a bit different. While the songs are still dance-able, it seems like the songs are built around the vocals this time around rather than having the vocals injected into dance numbers. While we're on the topic of the vocals, they have improved a great deal but they still don't manage to make their own imprint. Most listeners are sure to have Duran Duran/Depeche Mode Deja Vu upon contact. Another things that stands out to me right away is the lack of the catchy lead riffs that made VHS or Beta's "Night on Fire" so addictive, this is most probably due to the lack of founding Guitarist Zeke Buck who left to form "People Noise" with the former drummer of Boom Bip. They are set to release their excellent debut LP "Ordinary Ghosts" later this month.

Obvious first single "Burn it all Down", still rings with the flange tinged builds and bass thumps that VHS fans are used to, while "Can't Believe a Single Word" employs vocal grooves and spare piano to get it's point across. It's still too early to make a call on the entire album but the songs here are solid to say the least. The bass lines and the man machine drumming are still there, but they're lacking something, an energy, an effect, or more likely a guitar player.

VHS or Beta Myspace

Put Up Your Dukes, Cobra!

The Cobra Dukes are yet another NME favored synth rock band hailing from London, England. There's something raw and authentic about their sound. Think Billy Idol's "Dancing with Myself", in the way that there's a rough element that seems to be struggling against the pop structure of the songs. It makes for a more convincing delivery of the lyrics. Just like how The Cure's love songs resonate so much more than top 40 radio songs because The Cure had put out so much melancholic music beforehand so if they put out a love song it had so much more feeling than the vapid ballads on the radio because you could actually feel that something had changed.

Enough about feelings though, when it comes down to it, The Cobra Dukes serve up some great New Wave fun. Once the Cut-Copy like intro of "Leave the Light On" passes the synth surges in and manic retro bliss ensues. Speaking of retro bliss, you won't come any closer to fantasizing about a mid-80's prom than by listening to "Time is Coming" with your eyes closed. If you're feeling like a third helping, the Knight Life remix of "Leave the Light On" should do the trick as well as leave your ears smoking and your feet sore.

MP3 - Leave the Light On - Cobra Dukes

MP3 - Time is Coming - Cobra Dukes

MP3 - Leave the Light On (Knightlife Remix) - Cobra Dukes

Cobra Dukes Myspace

Today, My Heart Swings

The Flavor of Interpol's latest release "Our Love to Admire" is definitely something new with familiar touches. As a band progresses they like to keep certain sounds and experiment with others so it would make sense that "Our Love to Admire" would sound like a hybrid of Turn on the Bright Lights and Antics. The trademark spare atmospheric guitar jabs are still here, but something is different about them, they have a more natural organic sound to them, and a soft keyboard line accents them often. Perhaps a more organic sound was their goal on this outing as the album art featured animals in their natural states rather than their signature red white and black text. There is something that feels more fleshed out about these songs, whether it's the piano and wind instrument accompaniment on some tracks (No doubt the influence of aspiring composer Carlos D.), the fact that Paul Bank's vocals have never sounded smoother, or the fact that Interpol have managed to evoke a warmer more human, not necessarily happier but maybe more optimistic, sound while still sounding like themselves.

I used to get confused when people said that Interpol were heavily influenced by the Cure because I never heard anything that linked the two musically. Now I know they share a bond over their early cold atmospheric tunes, but on "Our Love to Admire" I can hear Paul Banks using little sighs or trailing off in a very Robert Smith-like way. This is one of the elements that at times lends an oddly romantic touch to Interpol's music. The lyrics in "The Scale" (2) feature a verse; "Pick a rose to hide my face", and the imagery of that combined with the song makes me think of a Baroque love affair. Interpol have always been mysterious, but this album is the first time that they've also seemed mysterious as well as overtly romantic.

Other obvious highlights of the album are the lead single "The Heinrich Maneuver" (4) which will have you singing "My god!" along with the song after a few listens. My vote for follow up single would have to be the following track, "Mammoth" (5) that features the most vocal variety that Paul Banks has ever featured on one track before. To complete the one two three punch is the critical quieter calmer single follow up song "Pace is the Trick" (6) that has breaks and quieter parts that make the rock out parts that much more intense. I could favor other songs as time goes on since the more I listen to the other tracks the more they grow on me. Such is the fate of Interpol songs to grow into your consciousness to the point of when you're walking through the park with someone you'll turn to them and start reciting non chorus lyrics with a Paul Banks rhythm. Overall, Interpol have released a pleasing expansion of their sound that, with a few listens, will grow into a new favorite, if not your favorite so far.

Interpol Myspace

Buy "Our Love To Admire"

MP3 - Interpol - Pace is the Trick

MP3 - Interpol - Mammoth

Rest with The Special Pillow

With the inventiveness and lyrical agility of Yo La Tengo and the flawless guitar freak outs of Dinosaur Jr. comes "Sleeping Beauty" by the Special Pillow. The latest offering from Dan Cuddy and company features bouncy pop numbers that are at once fun, beautiful, and totally self aware.

The variety this band offers up on each song is incredible. Some ride on a wave of Belle & Sebastian like pastoral pop, while others shoot forth with sheer guitar rocketry. This band feels like one of those coffee shop, outdoor summer festival bands that actually got good, and I mean really good. There's something uniquely folk about them even while they use fuzzed out guitars to flesh out their catchy tunes. From the guitar toasting of "Your Dead City" to the country tinged instrumental "Fairport Airport" to the flawless alt pop of "My Poor Skull", "Sleeping Beauty" is a gem of a find and a flawless album.

MP3 - The Special Pillow - My Poor Skull

MP3 - The Special Pillow - Your Dead City

Special Pillow Myspace

Buy "Sleeping Beauty"

A Polyphonic Army

In the past, the Polyphonic Spree has been content to let people wander free into and out of their soft psychedelic world with songs that are largely ambient noise until they ignite with the poppiest power pop imaginable. I remember when I first listened to the Polyphonic Spree I found a couple great songs that I skipped all the other tracks to savor over and over again because of a stunning guitar riff or an amazing piano arpeggio.

This time around it seems that the Spree are on a mission and their new black uniforms describe their conditioning as much as their tight new songs do. Each song possesses a potent personality that makes the album as a whole a pleasure to listen to. All the familiar flourishes of their sound are present, from flamboyant brass sections, to huge happy choral hooks everything is amped up to the effect that there is never a dull moment. There are even some new tricks to be found, from subtle electro beats to an all out smashing Bowie-esque ballad. One thing that hasn't changed however and that is the presence of Tim Delaughter who as always is leading the charge for victory through joy. With a commander this confident and a band of 20 plus people that sounds this good, I don't think sadness stands a chance.

Polyphonic Spree Myspace

MP3 - Polyphonic Spree - Oh I Feel Fine

MP3 - Polyphonic Spree - Get Up and Go

Buy "The Fragile Army"

From L.A. With Love

Milan Records released a special project on June 5 entitled "Art Don't Sleep Presents From L.A. with Love". Spearheaded by producer/promoter Andrew Lojero, who worked with 16 different musicians from Los Angeles.

The cool thing about this particular project though is that an artist drew his or her interpretation of each song. This is where I get to do a bit of comic book geek crossover because underground comic book artist Jim Mahfood contributed one of the artworks, and I think it would look pretty sweet on a t-shirt.

Anyway, here is an 18-minute mega-mix that features many of the diverse tracks on the album mixed together by their DJ, Kutmeh, in a spacey psychedelic manner. The music ranges from hip hop to jazz all cut together to make for one extended chill out mix.

MP3 - Art Don't Sleep - From L.A. with Love Megamix

From L.A. with Love Myspace

And here are some of the companion art pieces featured on their myspace:

The Bravery Return with Sun and Moon

The Bravery have returned with a sophomore album, "The Sun and The Moon" that is both more sincere and more fun than their debut. It seems like they were able to find the balance between their debut album hit sound and their progression as a band that the Killers were not able to do.

The sound of the album is still distinctly that of The Bravery, but it sounds significantly less synthetic. Normally, I would say that any loss of synth would be a disaster especially for a band that has built their popularity on their use of that instrument, but in each of the songs the void left by pulsating keyboards is filled in with swooping strings, piano, or something else that works just as well. The guitar work of Michael Zakarin in particular has really stepped up. The overall sound of the Bravery is more full, and moves back and forth in between bouncy dance numbers and mid-tempo power pop that reveals a startling substance to their songwriting that many didn't want to believe was there.

From carefree whistles to trademark keyboard riffs and not one but two beautiful acoustic ballads their progression is palpable. When The Bravery first appeared, they explained that the reason behind their name was that people their age were afraid to do something with their lives and they needed the courage to step out and do it. Well, The Bravery have once again led by example.

Buy "The Sun and The Moon"

The Bravery Myspace

MP3 - The Bravery - Bad Sun

MP3 - The Bravery - Fistful of Sand

"Time Won't Let Me Go" Video:

Walking Tall with Josh Small

Josh Small is an alt. country musician from Falls Church, Virginia. He looks like a lot of musicians I've met, short, flannel clad and beard adorned. To me, he seems like the face of all gas station employees with musical aspirations. His music seemed to be an open and shut case but upon further listening it seemed to have two faces, on one hand he's all banjo pluckin' and "Oh Lord" crooning but on the other hand when he stops trying so hard to win over the 60 year olds, his music has a 70's rock kind of bounce and textured authenticity that is sure to win over both casual listeners and indie hipsters alike. He has a kind of homegrown inventiveness that reminds me of a hybrid of Andrew Bird and Wilco. It's sprawling and quirky at the same time. He may look like someone we know and sound like something we've heard before, but he's also devoted to his music enough to make it sound fresh.

Josh Small Myspace

Buy "Tall"

MP3 - Who's Foolin You

MP3 - Boozin' Susan

Sportsday Thursday

Sportsday Megaphone is a one-man radical 8-bit pop party monster, driven by Hugh Frost, hailing from London, England. The sound of Sportsday Megaphone is an elixir of addictive Nintendo blips and squeals and matter of fact Streets style vocals. Just because the music is heavy on keyboards doesn't mean that it's all synthetic, there is an almost ever present guitar latent in the mix that drives each song. Like on the fantastic "Less and Less", the gliding riffs kick off a number that sounds like Ratatat on coke inside a giant tiger costume. "One More Page" explodes with youthful vigor that's equal parts heartfelt as it is completely nuts on keyboards. There's a new 7 inch single due out in a few weeks, but until then here's a new remix that Hugh did for UK band The Rumblestrips.

MP3 - Alarm Clock (Sportsday Megaphone's Stereo Adventure Remix)

MP3 - Sportsday Megaphone - Less and Less

Sportsday Megaphone Myspace

Buy Less and Less EP

The Clutters Turn Up The Heat

Nashville natives The Clutters are a rock band in every sense of the word. Everything in their alternative retro sound hits as hard as it can in it's own fuzzed out Pixies meet the B-52's kind of way. Their new album, "Don't Believe a Word", is a collection of earth shattering riffs, squealing vocals and keys that sound like Midnight Movies mating with the White Stripes. Where other hard rocking bands fall into rut of repetitive theatrics and all too thin song structure, The Clutters provide a violent thrashy affair that is at the same time earnest and fully formed.

The Clutters Myspace

MP3 - The Clutters - Temperature

MP3 - The Clutters - 9999 Ways to Hate Us

"Rock & Roll" Video:

Finally Some Feist

I've been doing lots of running lately, and what I'm finding is that the best tunes to run to aren't the hyper energetic lightning fast electro songs, but rather the rich mid-tempo alternative pop songs. Now when I say "rich" I mean that the song has to have some kind of unique instrumentation, some kind of trademark or texture. It's not easy to create that kind of sprawling texture and I certainly wouldn't think that a single woman and a guitar could do it, it's too easy for them to be just another hippie with a guitar, but Feist's vocals are so distinct and her lyrics are so heartfelt that they put any thoughts of pretentious hippies out of mind.

The cool thing about Feist's songs on "The Reminder", are that the instrumentation more or less feels like stepping stones for her voice to carry over. The spare guitar, xylophone or whatever instrument that happens to be played accents her voice perfectly and it's just enough to keep the song going. She even exercises this principle in the surprisingly dance-y "Sealion Woman"(6) where she essentially makes a dance song devoid of a beat except for handclaps. The bass prods the song along until a guitar drops in and liberates the drum kit, but when everything drops back to the claps, that's when the song really cooks.

While Feist makes some great departures on the album her real strength is in the ballads. There's so many excellent songs presented here that are sure to be classics in the years to come. There's so much music that's just done right, the music just does all the right things at the right times and comes together to hit at just the right points. From the flawless piano ballad "The Limit to Your Love" (9), to the jangly emotional powerhouse that is "1,2,3,4" (9), to the inspiring bounce of "I Feel It All" (2), Feist embodies so much of what I look for in new music. Flawless, timeless instrumentation that is unique and new but at the same time you could play it for anyone and they would be forced to admit it's inherent beauty.

Buy "The Reminder"

Feist Myspace

MP3 - Feist - 1234

MP3 - Feist - I Feel It All

"One Evening" Video (If you watch one video today...):

Coyote Bones Found by NPR, Spin

Coyote Bones, the band made up of former members of Tilly and the Wall and various other Saddle Creek projects recently had not one but two tracks featured as the "Song of the Day" at the separate institutions of both NPR and Spin. At NPR the song "39 Forever" (My favorite track on the album) was chosen, and at Spin, the more dramatic "Grand Eclipse" was chosen as the track of the day. I really have to hand it to NPR, they really cover a wide variety of music and topics, I remember hearing a segment on Interpol back when they released Turn on the Bright Lights and they played NYC on the air which was super cool, because in those days the college radio station around here didn't play such good music. Anyway, I wrote a favorable review of Coyote Bones back in April and if you're feeling ambitious you can read it here. Coyote Bones have been busy since the release of their album "Gentleman on the Rocks", working on both their acting and modeling careers by performing in the extremely low budget video for "Living Breathing Demons" and modeling for the Threadless T-Shirt "Tiny Toy Talons" It's good to see those rocky gents (and lady) get some well deserved attention.

Coyote Bones Myspace

MP3 - Coyote Bones - Grand Eclipse

MP3 - Coyote Bones - Your War

"Living Breathing Demons" Video:

Beware of Dancing Poodles from the North

Today, Thomas Dören who is the German brains behind the brawn of techno project Kimono Kops, sent me two new remixes to review, and lo' and behold one of them was Sally Shapiro who was featured on my Summer Dance Mix 2007 Mix. Not only that, but the remix of "Hold Me So Tight" features some slamming bass and synth reworks that would mix just fine with anyone's weekend dance party mix CD. If this remix wets your appetite, head on over to the Kimono Kops Myspace to stream more tracks.

MP3 - Sally Shapiro - Hold Me So Tight (Kimono Kops Remix)

Also, it's been brought to my attention that the band Great Northern is in a competition at Yahoo! to make an exclusive single for all on the internet to enjoy. Now, the last time I was involved in one of these online band competitions I was crushed that Elefant lost out to Eisley (So it's been a while) but seeing as how there's a mall close by me with the name "Great Northern" I feel a bit of home team camaraderie with the band. If you're not familiar with the ethereal pop of Great Northern, now is the perfect time get acquainted. Plus, there's this whole behind the scenes making of the "Home" music video that you can watch here. Most important of all, please click on the below graphic to go and vote for Great Northern.

And a reward for tolerating my coercion, here is the MP3 of the soon to be voted on video.

MP3 - Great Northern - Home

Join the Lodger

The Lodger are an energetic boy-boy-girl three-piece that hail from the bustling scene in North England that spawned both the Kaiser Chiefs and the Arctic Monkeys. Their new album "Grown Ups" sounds like a modern day Buzzcocks with the lyrical style of incorporating social/relationship commentary into pop songs that bands like Maximo Park, and to a greater extent The Smiths, have made their trademark. While their songs are poppy and fun, after repeated listenings they reveal themselves to be more than fun freak outs. There is significant substance underneath their shimmery surface. For example, the song "Kicking Sand" buzzes along with a clean sound that is immediately dance-able, but the song itself is about not taking those little trip ups that happen to us all too seriously and getting back at it, whatever it is. The band uses a carefully calculated variety of instrumentation that includes guitars, bass, drums and the occasional nudge from a synthesizer or piano. The Lodger provide perhaps the best example of unruly punk fun that possesses a dignified stateliness at the same time. This is due to the uniquely calm and composed vocals of Ben and the consistently fun inventive beats from Katie. I usually take hyped up bands from England with a grain of salt, but these guys really have that special spark, that heart, that makes them more than just another British rock band. Their drummer is cute too, so that's also a plus.

The Lodger Myspace

Stream "Grown-Ups" here

MP3 - The Lodger - Kicking Sand

MP3 - The Lodger - Many Thanks for Your Honest Opinion

"Let Her Go" Video:

Scary Scary Bryan Scary

Bryan Scary is an artist that hails from the town of Scaryville, where he and his band the Shredding Tears work to create timeless piano driven retro pop with a slight macabre edge. These guys sound like what The Fever would have sounded like if they had been obsessed with timeless pop instead of jittery post-punk. The glam stomps featured on their Shredding Tears EP, are reminiscent of David Bowie and T-Rex's early work with Beatles and Queen size hooks. The sound is expansive and airy but at the same time there's a sinister feeling that prevents it from being a sunny day pop number. Like the tune, "Misery Loves Company", that bounces along with a catchy piano riff but the vocoder and Air-like breakdown adds an ethereal extra element that will have you looking over your shoulder while you skip down the road.

Bryan Scary Myspace

MP3 - The Shredding Tears - Desdemona's Leaving Town

MP3 - The Shredding Tears - Misery Loves Company

Need a New Frisbie?

I remember in High School I was having a conversation with someone who loved classic rock, and they were telling me that no new music would ever compare to the classics, you know, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Beatles, all the standard bands you find on T-shirts even the most obscure department stores, but I strongly disagreed with him. I said that there is new music that compares and there will continue to be. For a long time though, it seemed like no one wanted to even touch the genre of power rock because the artists from back then are held to such a standard. I am glad that musicians no longer have that fear of being caught in the shadow of the music of the past. If all people thought that Led Zeppelin reached the pinnacle of music, a height never to be reached again, and decided to not make music ever again the world would be an extremely boring place. I mean, what would I write about then?

Anyway, I think it's great that since Jet and the Darkness hit up a revival of the "classic rock" sound back in 2003 with a few memorable singles, other bands are still unafraid to step into the arena with the commercial giants of old. Wolfmother took a stab and came out with a bangin' bongo led fuzzed out bass-fest with "Love Train". Another band that put out their debut in 2000 entitled The Subversive Sounds of Love, Frisbie, who hail from Chicago, have completed work on their newest album New Debut, which also enters the arena of huge sounding pop rock music. The song "S.F.B." calls to mind a purée of the greatest hits of Journey and the Who. While album namesake "New Debut" sounds like the thumping slow burning child of Van Halen and Rush complete with cowbell. The album is being released on August 17th, so until then enjoy these two tracks at high volume in the residential area or open highway of your choice.

Frisbie Myspace

MP3 - Frisbie - S.F.B.

MP3 - Frisbie - New Debut

Jeremy Thinks You're Alright

Jeremy is an up and coming dynamic folk duo comprised of Lars Christian Olsen (age 19) and Øivind Hatleskog (age 21) from the Norwegian town of Stavinger. They play a soft jazzy pop sound that is in the same vein as folk-pop masters Simon and Garfunkle. I don't know what they put in the water up there in Norway, but they just keep producing more and more excellent folk-pop groups.

The gentle vocals and breezy light melodies evoke Belle & Sebastian at times. The Jazzy thump of "You're Alright" is thoroughly enjoyable from it's opening melodic salvo and you can hear the Kings of Convenience influence almost immediately. I have no problem with this, because, really, is there a better template for young bands to use than Kings of Convenience? I don't think so. Their EP has a few great surprises, but my favorite tune would have to be the beautifully bell accented "Someday With You", it's just a fantastic song. Jeremy released their EP, conveniently titled, the "Jeremy EP" on May 29 in the United States. I couldn't think of anything better to start off the day than listening to some nice bouncy folk-pop.

MP3 - Someday With You - Jeremy

MP3 - You're Alright (RAC remix) - Jeremy

Jeremy - You're Allright

Add to My Profile | More Videos

AZLTRON Summer Dance Mix 2007

Ladies and gentlemen, it is summer, that means that I will soon be driving to and from a sweet job lifeguarding at a state park. Since I will be driving this means that I must have a series of the sweetest bass-tastic supergrooves. I have dedicated the better part of a day to compiling some bangin' (In my opinion) dance tracks that should sound great blasting out of your car stereo. So without further ado, I give you the first annual AZLTRON Summer Dance Mix.

1. Erlend Oye - Prego Amore (w/ Jolly Music)

Kings of Convenience Myspace

2. Chromeo - Tenderoni

Chromeo Myspace

3. Ghosthustler - Parking Lot Nights

Ghosthustler Myspace

4. Sally Shapiro - By Your Side

Sally Shapiro Myspace

5. Sebastien Grainger - When You Go Out

Sebastien Grainger Myspace

6. Panther - How Does It Feel?

Panther Myspace

7. MSTRKRFT - Easy Love

MSTRKRFT Myspace

8. Justice - DVNO

Justice Myspace

9. YACHT - Summer Song (ft. Claire L. Evans)

YACHT Myspace

Vivek Won't Envy

Vivek Shraya is an up and coming independent artist from Toronto, he employs electronic blips and beeps and the occasional guitar stab to create inventive ultra-clean, radio friendly (under three minute) pop songs. Shraya's vocal capabilities could easily garner him radio attention if only the moons would align; at times his almost ethnic pop vocals call to mind what David Byrne would have sounded like if he had natural singing talent, and while we're talking 'Heads' the whole album has that light poppy feeling that wouldn't be out of place on the last few Talking Heads albums. Could a cover of "And She Was" be in the pipeline? Anyway, Shraya compiles several seemingly disparate styles into a unique cohesive whole. it's interesting that he's backed up his catchy polished pop with Gary Numan-lite style synthesizers. I don't know what else he would use to flesh out his songs but the electronics certainly bring in a unique crossover element. Pure pop but with an electronic edge; a good example would be "Chemistry" (4), which sounds like the Donna Summer classic "I Feel Love" crossed with Nine Inch Nails' "Closer". There is also the woozy Bowie-esque "Fevered"(3) that sounds like Suffragette City with keyboards. Other highlights of the album include the punchy "Your Name"(2) which features guest vocals from Sarah Quin of Tegan and Sarah Fame, Her rhythmic chiming adds an interesting flavor and texture to the groove. The catchiest cut on the album in my opinion would have to be the album's namesake track "If We're Not Talking" (8), which has a similar psuedo-musak feel that made Royksopp's "Remind Me" with Erlend Oye so memorable. Overall, the brief format of Mr. Shraya's songs and their cleanliness leaves you wanting more. Like a light but enjoyable breakfast.

Vivek Shraya Myspace

MP3 - Negative One - Vivek Shraya

MP3 - If We're Not Talking - Vivek Shraya

An Easy Sell

Back at the end of High School and the beginning of college I became fascinated with the sounds of the Postal Service and I was looking all over for acts similar to them. I found out about all kinds of indie/electronica bands like Lali Puna, Ms. John Soda, Styrofoam, Stereolab, and the Go Find, but out of all of them the Burnside Project forged a special place in my heart. I think it's because when I heard them they were relatively unknown and their raw juxtaposition of indie style guitars and electronics evoked a very New Order kind of feel. Their minimalist guitars and poppy electro alongside almost spoken word vocals was very endearing. I liked to think of them as my secret band for a while, but it seems now that the secret is out.

The Burnside Project released a follow up to their 2003 debut "The Networks, The Streams, The Harmonies" in 2005 with the only slightly shorter titled, "The Finest Example is You". The sound on the new album was more natural, with the songs being based around vocal melodies more, the guitar fleshed out, and even at times live drums. In short, the songs sounded more like pop songs with electronic influences, rather than electronic songs with pop influences. Richard Jankovich's voice sounds like a more breathy Ben Gibbard and it took me some time to get used to it, and sometimes his lyrics come off a bit awkward over the lush soundscapes, but he contributes some wonderful harmonies on the addictive breezy "Get Better Soon" (3) and the building "Another Way" (6). The guitars and keyboards have progressed as well, working together almost seamlessly to create a smooth upbeat atmosphere. The guitars in particular have been beefed up, no longer the occasional melodic plunk here and there, there are full on riffs at times and even something of a guitar solo on "Just Drop Off" (5). All this progression doesn't mean that they've ditched the kinetic dance music that got them noticed, there are dance tracks aplenty from the opening salvo of "Signs of Perfection" (1) and "And So It Goes" (2) to the four on the floor stomp of "One to One" to the arguable high point of the album "Start Again" (10). I'm surprised that the smooth energy of the album didn't garner attention for car commercials, but then again, we can look at that as a good thing because we can keep them secret for a little while longer.

At least until their new album later this year.

Burnside Project Myspace (New Song "Synchronized Spinning")

MP3 - Burnside Project - Signs of Perfection

MP3 - Burnside Project - Get Better Soon

Video for "And So It Goes":



P.S. Here they are performing a Funky New Jam (Youtube)

Relationship Self Destruction

I first heard about the Servant through their single "Cells" being used in commercials for Sin City back in 2005. Their hair brained inventiveness crafted some of the most memorable pop songs in recent memory. Although, aside from the Sin City tie in they didn't really catch on all that well. Even though I thought that their string accented electro guitar stomps were great.

Either way, they released a new album last year that featured a much more guitar oriented sound. At times calling to mind the work of Franz Ferdinand on "I wish I could stop Wishing for Things" (9) and David Bowie on "Moonbeams" (6). While I missed the strings and effects, I have to say that there are some excellent rock songs here. It took me a while to get into lead single "How to Destroy a Relationship" (1), but it's descending vocal melody has been working it's way into my cranium for months now. I would have to say that the most addictive cut on the album is "Sleep Deprivation" (2), it's hook is so catchy I am actually shocked that it didn't get any radio play, or at least some love in the form of a music video. Some tracks get repetitive, and the wordplay of "Girlfriend" (8) gets kind of awkward even though I can appreciate what they're doing because just thinking of it now gets it stuck back in my head. Overall, a tighter sound emerges this time around, sans electronics, the unmistakable vocals of Dan Black are as good as ever, and the guitar work of Chris Burrows has really stepped up. With this being a more guitar oriented album if he had let up any you would have known, but throughout the album there is no slack to be found. The Servant move forward with another surprising and enjoyable album, I hope more people pay attention the next time they put something out.

The Servant Myspace

MP3 - The Servant - Sleep Deprivation

MP3 - The Servant - Brains

Bonus MP3 - The Servant - Biro

Video for "Hey Lou Reed"

Illin like Villains

Brooklyn Rappers, Tone Tank and Krayo from Iller Than Theirs do something that is very rare in the world of hip hop. They say expressly in "To Be Ill" that "We ain't better than nobody," While others would go about proclaiming their supremacy, they tells stories about little things in their lives that they find true. There's a few statements made in the songs that are sure to make you laugh or say "so true". Their beats are a fun retro smorgasbord of flutes and keyboards that accentuates their casual life actualizing lyrics. Each song is like an invitation to hang out for an afternoon. It's refreshing to hear a rap artist that isn't about stepping on everyone to get to the top but rather making room for you on the couch and handing you a drink.

Iller Than Their's Album debuts later this year.

Iller Than Theirs Myspace

MP3 - Iller Than Theirs - It is What It Is (Feat. Cool Calm Pete)

MP3 - Iller Than Theirs - To Be Ill

23 Blonde Redheads Play Tennis

My first knowledge of Blonde Redhead came from searching for indie music back in 2004, I remember listening to Misery is a Butterfly but I wasn't all that impressed by it for some reason, perhaps it wasn't dance-y enough for me, because at the time that's the kind of indie I was looking for. Either that or I became distracted by something shiny while it was playing it. Either way, It is my understanding that they are avante guarde art rock, and that sometimes in the past it has been difficult to get into their particular brand of indie rock.

Though being a relative neophyte to the works of Blonde Redhead, I find that their new album "23" is instantly accessible and catchy. The sound employed on this record is a light and airy atmospheric jaunt jostled about with consistent and toe tapping beats. Each element is given space to breathe and reverb making for a psychedelic listening experience. The guitars chime and resonate, the synthesizers take all the edges away and the female vocals flutter through some heavenly melodies. At times, male vocals take over, and the sound gets a little rockier, but the sound always remains celestial and dreamy.


Blond Redhead Myspace

Buy "23"

MP3 - Blonde Redhead - Spring and Summer by Fall

MP3 - Blonde Redhead - Silently

Video for "23"

Elkland caught in a Goat Explosion

Elkland, was an up and coming synth pop band from upstate New York (where I reside) led by vocalist Jonathan Pierce. They also performed at Alfred University, opening for VHS or Beta. They released a highly enjoyable, fully formed, synth pop album named "Golden" in 2005. After that I didn't hear much from them, apparently Pierce (From a statement on their website) thought that shooting this promising band in the face was the best thing to do. While I disagree with that, Pierce has teamed up with former bandmate Jacob Graham of Orlando's Flashlight Party to reform their old band Goat Explosion. While not as polished and fully formed as the Elkland debut, Goat Explosion features just as much electronics and huge hooks, and the more electro sound has allowed them to open up and feature some different structures and vocal melodies that at times lean towards a Morrissey vocal style rather than the old Depeche Mode Cure Hybrid Vocals. It's been a while since they released their "Hope is Alive" EP, and I hope they don't have any firearms aimed at this project's head as well, because I would really like to hear what they have coming up next.

Goat Explosion Myspace

Buy "Golden"

MP3 - Goat Explosion - Come on Make Me Feel

MP3 - Goat Explosion - You're Right There

MP3 - Elkland - Everybody's Leaving

Elkland - Apart Video:

Noisy People and Motocades

The other day i was looking into what was going on with VHS or Beta's new album, and while I was on their official site, I found out that guitarist Zeke Buck had left the band after ten years to collaborate with Mathew Johnson of Boom Bip on a new rock project. Having seen VHS or Beta perform live at Alfred University a while back and seeing Mr. Buck play live leaves me with some high expectations of both this new project and VHS or Beta's new project. People Noise does not disappoint. Rather than the experimental funk based guitars of VHS, there are some huge riffs and feedback thrust alongside some fist pounding mid-tempo drums. Zeke Buck also offers up some surprising vocal chops. It all works together in a spacey compelling way, and the guitar work has immense personality to it. Their debut "Ordinary Ghosts" comes out later this month.

People Noise Myspace

MP3 - People Noise - The Killing Fields

Secondly, I received a request to review a band from Auckland, New Zealand band called Motocade. At first listen I can hear some clear strokes influence in the form of their linear guitars, but they take their work in a more manic bouncy direction. It adds to the nervous confessional theme on the excellent single "My Friends", which calls to mind going out with friends for no other reason than routine and the desire to break that routine. The delirious beat and spoken word breaks carry the song home. The band have respectable range in both their guitar riffs and in the vocals of Eden Mullholland, and their new EP "Into the Fall" is solid.

Motocade Myspace

MP3 - Motocade - My Friends

Video for "My Friends":