posted by Patrick on February 19, 2012
Washington, D.C. was once a hotbed of indie music. Fugazi, Dismemberment Plan, Shudder To Think, and Jawbox are from the District. Henry Rollins and Dave Grohl grew up here, and Dischord Records is still chugging away. But as yuppification marched through D.C. like Sherman through Atlanta, the city started to price itself out of the indie scene. New bands sought cheaper rents and beer in Baltimore, while the old standard bearers got … old. So although I live here and love it, it’s been slim pickings for District-based music blogs.
Here’s hoping Pree is the start of something new. Formed by May Tabol, previously of D.C.’s Le Loup, Pree defies obvious labels. The band’s most recent E.P., “Folly,” includes lyrical, catchy folk like ‘Lemon Tree,’ and the more dischordant and psychedelic ‘Songs of Promise.’ A third track, ‘Fresh Paint’ is slowed-down bluegrass with a ghostly, warbling chorus in the background. Most of the band’s music combines high-register vocals with darker lyrics and weird sound effects. It’s an odd mix, but it works. Listen closely to the lyrics of ‘Lemon Tree’ and you’ll see how a band can subvert expectations, layering dark-dream ideas over sing-song sounds. Pree’s music is addictive and strangely fascinating, not unlike their hometown. As I said, here’s hoping for more of the same.
Pree – Lemon Tree (Downloaded 43 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Americana • Beautiful Lyrics • Catchy • Clever Lyrics • Female vocal • Folk • Psychedelic • Twee
(4 votes)
Loading ...posted by Patrick on February 14, 2012
Short and sweet: We wrote about indie darling Ingrid Michaelson last week, but this cover is just too perfectly mopey-yet-catchy not to post today. Enjoy!
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(4 votes) Loading ...posted by Patrick on December 4, 2011
“Austra is an island on the border between Nord-Trøndelag and Nordland counties in Norway. The 88-square-kilometre (34 sq mi) island is shared between the municipalities of Bindal, Leka and Nærøy. The highest point is the 588-metre (1,929 ft) tall Romsskåla.” (Wikipedia)
Austra is also a band. Hailing from the equally cold, if somewhat more cosmopolitan, Toronto, Canada, Austra has perfected a sound defined by contradictions: remote but intimate, clinical but warm. That’s due in large part to the offsetting influences of lead singer Katie Stelmanis, a classically trained opera singer, and the band’s chilly, dance-inspired electronic backing. Stelmanis’ voice soars and lingers, while the music pushes forward with a driving beat. It’s an unlikely combination, but when it works, as on ‘Lose It,’ the results are stunning. And when Stelmanis performs ‘Lose It’ with only a piano and her voice, as in the video below, the song is completely transformed, and even more compelling. As a beat addict, I prefer the electronic version, but I can’t deny the video’s power. Perhaps Paper Bag Records can release them both?
In some ways, Austra reminds me of Phantogram. Austra’s lead singer has a wider vocal range, and is less reliant on effects and reverb, but both combine heavy beats with dramatic vocals to create a cinematic sound and feel. If you like one, try the other and let us know how they compare.
Austra – Lose It (Downloaded 219 times)
Austra – The Choke (Downloaded 215 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Amazing Voice • Driven • Electro • Female vocal • Orchestral • Synth • With Bleeps & Blips
(13 votes) Loading ...posted by Patrick on September 26, 2011
Philadelphia’s The War on Drugs is nothing like what you’d expect. I, at least, would expect something edgy and indie, twee psychadelia or Austin hip-hop. Instead, the band channels Bruce Springsteen at his poppy, rockabilly best. Or maybe it’s U2 they’re occupying, or Tom Petty, or any of a half-dozen other of the best acts of the 70′s and 80′s. Of course, mimicry doesn’t make for greatness, and the obvious question is what The War on Drugs adds to the equation. One answer is simple fusion: they aren’t just one band, but all of them. The War on Drugs is a Whitman’s Sampler blow torched into a liquid mess, then reformed and steel-reinforced with heavy beats and jangling vocals. But “Slave Ambient,” the band’s newest album, also brings some new elements to the mix, including a voice that can range from pop-sweet to a Tom Waits growl, and, appropriately some more ethereal, ambient moments than you find in most straight-ahead rock. Ultimately, though, The War On Drugs isn’t pushing many envelopes. But they know their craft and can spin a tune with the best of them. There isn’t a bad track on “Slave Ambient,” and many will be on repeat for weeks to come. Only the best of their influences can say the same.
The War on Drugs – Baby Missiles (Downloaded 221 times)
The War on Drugs – Taking the Farm (Downloaded 199 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Anthemic • Catchy • Fuzzy • Poppy • Rollicking
(7 votes) Loading ...
December 11th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
We had a fun interview with Austra and would like to share it with you guys:
http://nightdrivemiami.com/2011/11/01/austra-interview-ticket-giveaway/