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 659 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Catchy • Clever Lyrics • Male vocal • Orchestral
(29 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 286 times)
Austra – The Choke (Downloaded 286 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Amazing Voice • Driven • Electro • Female vocal • Orchestral • Synth • With Bleeps & Blips
(15 votes) Loading ...posted by Jessica on November 20, 2011
Ceremonials is a fitting name for the sophomore effort by Florence + The Machine, because listening to the album is a rite in itself. If their debut, Lungs, was tinged with whimsy and mysticism, Ceremonials plunges us under the water, into the realm of ghouls, ghosts, demons and devils, and to the heights of ecclesiastical exuberance. It’s alluring, rich, and complicated like the gorgeous excess of a baroque work of art.
This is the kind of record that needs to be enjoyed in small doses, allowing each track to marinate. Florence Welch’s dazzling vocals are a controlled power surge, the way a cannon or firecracker is carefully aimed before exploding into a beautiful din. Accompanying her is an array of thundering organs, singing harps, pounding drums, and passionate choruses.
The first single, “Shake It Out,” is the album’s most accessible track. Introspective and oh-so-catchy, it’s a luminous standout. Midway through the album, “Lover to Lover” leaves behind the otherworldly ballads for soulful R&B evocative of the 60’s, allowing Welch’s voice to shine without bombast. Intricate and impressive, if at times overpowering, Ceremonials elevates Florence + The Machine’s dynamic pop ritual.
Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out (Downloaded 734 times)
Florence + The Machine – Lover to Lover (Downloaded 781 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Amazing Voice • Baroque • Big Sound • Catchy • Female vocal • Orchestral • Soulful
(16 votes) Loading ...[...] the rest of my review and get MP3s at Indieball. GA_googleAddAttr("AdOpt", "1"); GA_googleAddAttr("Origin", "other"); [...]
posted by Alex on October 22, 2011
{Editor’s Note: See our previous post on Blind Pilot here.}
All good things come from Portland, including Portland natives Blind Pilot. The band released their second epic album, We Are The Tide, on September 13th. I only discovered this band a few months ago, but they became a fast favorite. After falling in love with their 2008 album, 3 Rounds and a Sound, I immediately bought the long awaited 2011 record. If you’ve read my previous posts, you can probably infer that if a band includes offbeat instruments, I will be a fan. And We Are The Tide fits that bill. The album features a ukulele (I’m cool; I already learned the ukulele part on “Always”), violin, vibraphone, and a Rhodes piano. It also includes contributions from eight different musicians, including one woman, Kati Claborn. (My whole life I’ve played in groups as the only girl, so I have to give Kati props.)
“Keep You Right” is the first single off the album, and the heartfelt vocals made it a favorite. I’ve also included “The Story I Heard,” from 3 Rounds and a Sound. It is a beautiful song that I constantly play in my car. The band’s tour started on September 25th in their home state of Oregon, and they will be on the road until December. You better bet that I will be at their November show in Los Angeles. If you happen to go, look for the girl with the oversized glasses and come say hello!
Blind Pilot – Keep You Right (Downloaded 436 times)
Blind Pilot – The Story I Heard (Downloaded 437 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Beautiful Lyrics • Male vocal • Orchestral • Poppy
(11 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/