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 261 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Americana • Beautiful Lyrics • Catchy • Clever Lyrics • Female vocal • Folk • Psychedelic • Twee
(12 votes)
Loading ...posted by Patrick on December 26, 2009
St. Vincent was the subject of our second ever post–way bay on April 15th, 2008 (an eternity in blog years). We loved them then and love them still, but the band, and our appreciation, have deepened and broadened since then. What was a group of merry quirksters revolving around one enormously talented woman has evolved into a Real Live Band. And now NPR has released a recording of one of St. Vincent’s Real Live Shows. It was staged at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C., roughly 10 blocks from Indieball’s old home. We have no excuse for missing the show and feel worse now having heard it. Don’t repeat our mistake–see St. Vincent in your town soon. Until then, listen and enjoy.
St. Vincent – Live at Black Cat (Downloaded 528 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Amazing Voice • Clever Lyrics • Female vocal • Orchestral • Twee
(10 votes) Loading ...posted by Tina on May 1, 2009
Headlights make me want to take guitar lessons. Not to “rock out” but simply to feel happy, enjoy life and just live in the moment. Headlights, out of Champagne, Illinois, have captured that feeling like lightning in a bottle. The band’s latest album, “Some Racing, Some Stopping,” was written and recorded in a farmhouse. Can you tell? Maybe, in some small ways. The record is more creative and spontaneous than their previous EP “Enemies”. It helps that the band alternates singers between tunes. That keeps you guessing how the next tune is going to sound because each is different. In fact, each song sounds like a different genre altogether. Indie pop? Indie rock? Or something else entirely? You decide.
Tristan Wraight plays an awesome acoustic guitar. Brett Senderson not only kicks ass on the drums, he also produced this last CD. Nick Sanborn does a phenomenal job with the bass and if you listen to the whole CD, you’ll find out he’s equally fantastic on the accordion. That’s right, accordion.
Myspace || Official site || Upcoming shows
Headlights – Cherry Tulips (Downloaded 347 times)
Headlights – Market Girl (Downloaded 430 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Clever • Female vocal • Male vocal • Poppy • Twee
(15 votes) Loading ...posted by Leigh on March 2, 2009
A duo as cute as Meg and Jack? Quite possibly. Kate Cooper (of Iron On) and Damon Cox (of Intercooler) blend together seamlessly as An Horse, with their recently released debut album, Rearrange Beds. And rearrange they do. Do I want to cry? Do I want to dance? Do I want to think? Do I want to chill? All of the above and more.
Little Lungs might be one of the best break-up songs yet, and believe me, I have my favorites. Kate more than nails the emotional roller coaster ride of trying to understand something that you may never understand. Damon softly shadows her every word, creating an eerie presence of the once other half. The Stars-like dialogue at the end pits him against her . . . Who do we listen to?
When you’re ready to climb out of your heartbreak-obsessed head, pull yourself together and give Horizons a listen. Now you’re having fun, you’re sailing ships, you’re feeling so good that you really don’t care what Kate means when she speaks about the “rooftop crow’s nest in a sea swell”. All that matters is the swell of good feelings that you ride as long as you can. Things are good again.
An Horse shows are supposed to be amazing (and they opened last year for Tegan and Sara, if that’s any form of insurance). The US tour has begun, so be sure to check them out if they play at a city near you.
Myspace || Official site || Tour dates
An Horse – Horizons (Downloaded 424 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Catchy • Clever Lyrics • Female vocal • Twee
(21 votes) Loading ...Oh, Brisbane. Finally doing us proud.
Awesome write up Leigh!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 5:48 am
Best thing you’ve put on here sofar.
The word accordion sounds awesome. Doesn’t it?
May 11th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Love. your site makes me so happy on rainy philadelphia days in the office. Keep on idierockin