I was having a really hard day at work. No need to get into why, but that all changed when, after everyone left for the day, I poured myself a gin and tonic and cranked up the speakers in the office to Headless Heroes. It was just the right amount of self-pity mixed with hopeful aspiration that I needed. It’s a silly reason to fall in love with a band, but isn’t that what it’s all about. You play the right song at the right moment and it becomes a memory of a movie you once saw about your life. I haven’t stopped listening to it since. Maybe you should buy the album, wait for the right moment in your life, then play it. Or hell, just get it…it’s awesome.
Stricken City has that rare ability of being loud and quiet at the same time. It takes a lot of restraint on behalf of singer Rebekah Raa. You can hear the scope of her voice escape her in some of the more emotional moments of the album. You wonder why she just doesn’t let it out the entire time, but I tend to think it makes it all the more rewarding hearing her vocal flare-ups sparingly.
Asobi Seksu keep the momentum going with a new EP to follow up their 2009 release, Hush. The 10" EP includes a re-edit and remix (by Aa) of the track Transparence from their previous album as well as two unreleased songs. Like most of Asobi Seksu’s releases you know what you’re going to get; sweet, hypnotic sounds that leave you longingly. The Transparence EP is no different, but if ain’t broke, keep releasing precious and utterly charming music. That’s what they say at least.
I’ve been hearing a lot of amazing new bands lately. Unfortunately, all I have are EPs of these fresh, new artists. And even though each one probably deserves it’s own full review, I decided to just briefly talk about each one. I promise to review any full lengths these bands might put out in the future.
There must not be a whole lot to do in Montreal, except for going to shows. Bands seem to pass the time by making countless albums with umpteen different side projects. Spencer Krug, one of the founding members of Wolf Parade has put more albums out for his side projects (Swan Lake, Frog Eyes, Sunset Rubdown) than his so called main band.
Regina Spektor is the kind of musician you want to dislike, but for some reason will win you over every time. The only reason I say that is that she takes a formula that has been done over and over.
A lot of people complain that drinking too much coffee gives them a jittery, anxious feeling. I personally like feeling like I'm uncomfortably on the edge of freaking out. That might explain why I like the spastic, energetic sounds of knob-turning, button pushing Pictureplane, aka Travis Edgey. Pictureplane's canvas may have a limited pallet to work from, but that doesn't stop him from using it with dynamic vigor. These kinds of bedroom projects usually make better albums than live performances, but I'm interested in seeing what kind of energy Pictureplane can bring. You can find out from his US tour with label-mate, and kindred spirits, HEALTH.
Oddly enough, I’ve been fans of Double Dagger members Nolen Strals and Bruce Willen long before I ever heard their music or saw them perform live. They are the brilliant minds behind one of my favorite design firms, Post Typography. I had noticed all of the design work done for a band called Double Dagger, which also happens to be a underused/underrated typographical character (‡), but never put the two together. With the help of drummer Denny Bowe, Double Dagger makes some pretty awesome post-punk indie rock.
ARTROCKER: You are the missing link between The Go! Team and Arcade Fire – discuss!
OWEN: Disagree. I don’t wanna sound petulant, we like both those groups, but I don’t think it’s true. We have one...
Photos from a recent FOE gig - a friend of our friends Hold Your Horse Is - she’s gonna be big!!! Read the gig review after the jump.
Shots of North Carolina’s folk-rocking Avett Brothers’ stop in Glasgow - 22.08.11
Read the review of the gig here.
Take a look at the acts and art on offer at this year’s Latitude Festival in Suffolk. Included are the likes of Fight Like Apes, Lykke Li, Sea of Bees and Seasick Steve. Photos from our own...
Good time with Bad Guys. Photos from the May 29th gig at the Old Blue Last. Read the review by the Bad Guy himself, Stuart London after the jump.
Artrocker.com exclusive: for fans of White Lies and Crocodiles we’ve got some fresh pictures from their UK show at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire earlier this month, courtesy of Alessandro...
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