posted by Tina on March 3, 2012
I know it’s been awhile Indieball friends….I apologize for the hiatus. I could never stay away forever.It’s music that drives us from deep within our soul. It’s just so powerful that no matter what mood you’re in…music either amplifies that mood, or changes it. If you have not yet heard about Wye Oak, then I’m happy to bring some of that powerful music to you.To me, this duo out of Baltimore, Maryland keeps Indie rock alive and popular.
Comprised of Jenn Wasner (vocals and guitar) and Andy Stack (drums and all the rest of their sound including back-up vocals) Wye Oak brings pleasing guitar sounds along with a measured balance of drums. Their latest release from March 2011 is one of those CDs that I can put on and just let it play over and over. If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, you ‘ll recognize “Civilian” from last week’s episode as the exit music. A great tune to be heard if you’re on the passenger side of life. “Dog Eyes” is a tune that puts you in a trance, then wakes you up so you can really absorb the guitar sounds to their full extent. To me it seems the “duo” bands are becoming more and more popular in the music world. No longer do you need a slew of members to create an amazing sound that makes people stop and listen. I look forward to more music from Wye Oak and hope to catch them live sometime. Should they come to your town, be sure to grab tickets as soon as you hear about a show, as I gather they sell out quick, and be sure to tell Indieball what you think.
Wye Oak – Civilian (Downloaded 273 times)
Wye Oak – Dog Eyes (Downloaded 210 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Clever Lyrics • Female vocal • Indie • Vintage
(6 votes)
Loading ...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 257 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Americana • Beautiful Lyrics • Catchy • Clever Lyrics • Female vocal • Folk • Psychedelic • Twee
(12 votes) Loading ...posted by Nate on December 16, 2011
I don’t know much about Iceland; it seems worlds away. I’ve never been there and it’s certainly not a place I used to often think about. Discovering Of Monsters and Men has changed that. Of course I’ve still never been, but now I can’t keep my mind off of this six person group that sings about fantastic creatures and magical journeys. And I wonder if I might find them in some frozen fjord. The band first stole my heart with “Little Talks,”‘ a track which has taken indie radio by storm. First gaining recognition in 2010 by winning Músíktilraunir, Iceland’s annual battle of the bands, the group now has a number one single in Iceland with “Little Talks,” and an EP set to release worldwide December 20th.
The group has a sound that Rolling Stone magazine has compared to Mumford & Sons and Arcade Fire, but to me, their lyrics set them apart. “From Finner,” for example, tells the story of a house on the back of a whale. There is no category for that. Of Monsters is said to use random stories as inspiration for the mythical lyrics of the music, but if the mysterious and magical aren’t for you, don’t be distressed. Like Sigur Ros, the music can compel you to sing along, even when the meaning is completely lost. I’m anxiously awaiting the debut of the band’s EP Into the Woods and the full length album My Head is an Animal, which, pre-release, is already at the top of the charts in Iceland. If you’re like me and just can’t wait, I’ve posted several videos (audio only, so far) or you can find most of their music on Youtube. Turn it up, relax, and enjoy the ride!
Want more? Of course you do. Here’s five songs from the band’s recent performance on NPR. And here’s a track to keep:
Of Monsters and Men – Six Weeks (Downloaded 655 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Catchy • Clever Lyrics • Male vocal • Orchestral
(29 votes) Loading ...posted by Leigh on October 11, 2011
CMJ Preview Series: Alamo Race Track
I often hear the question “What does CMJ stand for?” Why, it’s the College Music Journal, no doubt, and the festival is at it again. Almost 900 bands confirmed, playing over the span of 5 days, October 18th – 22nd, in my very own New York. See what Indieball was talking about during last year’s festival at the following links: CMJ 2010, CMJ 2010 Highlights and CMJ 2010 Highlights Part 2.
Alamo Race Track, from Amsterdam, has a fun, folky, punctuated sound, offering (my favorite) interesting, funny and introspective lyrics, told like the best bedtime story ever. Even when singing about a heart-wrenching topic, Alamo Race Track morphs the sadness into beauty and the beauty of that sadness becomes uplifting. Cathartic.
Their third album, Unicorn Loves Dear, was released last March. “Apples” has an upbeat foundation that just makes you want to do that subtle dance move that inadvertently escapes your body when you are bored out of your mind on a phone call that you would otherwise prefer not to be on. The pretty harmonies are an added bonus. “Motorman and Owls“ is the quintessential quirk meets folk, droningly lovely, comprised of mixed tempos that aid in the master story-telling. If you are in New York during the festival, be sure to check them out on either October 19th or 20th at The Delancey. See official CMJ website below for more information.
Facebook || Official site || CMJ Festival
Alamo Race Track – Apples (Downloaded 291 times)
Alamo Race Track – Motorman and Owls (Downloaded 236 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Clever Lyrics • CMJ 2011 • Folky • Harmonic • Male vocal • Quirky
(7 votes) Loading ...
