Preview: Jenny and Johnny – I’m Having Fun Now

Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley and her singer/song writer boyfriend, Johnathan Rice, have teamed up as the newest girl-boy duo on the music scene. Will Jenny and Johnny give She & Him a run for their money? (Let’s hope so!) Already the surf inspired, playful indie tunes are creating a buzz, and so far, just two songs have been released from the forthcoming LP.

August 3rd, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in female vocalists, indie pop  |  2 comments

Junip – Rope and Summit EP

While Junip may be most notable for the fact that Jose González is a member, the band has a sound that’s considerably upbeat (when compared to his solo work). This is no doubt due to the rounding contributions of Elias Araya (drums) and Tobias Winterkorn (organ, synth). Junip’s tender sounds walk the line of experimental, but the sounds never quite make it to edgy. While there’s not necessarily any lightening up on the use of González’s voice, one will hear a greater emphasis on his hums in sync with the other instruments, perhaps alluding to a rockier side, but still heavy on the early-morning-acoustic-folk-ambiance feel.

July 14th, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in acoustic, folk  |  1 comment

Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt! – I Love You. I Love You. I Love You and I’m in Love with You. Have an Awesome Day! Have the Best Day of Your Life!

For an album that can be summed up as “weird” and “delightfully confusing,” it’s also incredible how many upbeat-feel-good-don’t-take-it-too-seriously lyrics have been jam-packed into this release. I guess even the album title gives it away: there’s a whole lot of enthusiasm in these 10 songs.

May 4th, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in electro pop, experimental  |  2 comments

Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record

It’s been five year since the last full band Broken Social Scene album, and it might just have been worth the wait. The new album is solid and there’s more than one hit single within. The hit singles are obvious, and while there is definitely some filler, I think this album deserves more than just a couple of listens.

April 22nd, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in experimental, indie rock  |  11 comments

Preview: Villagers – Becoming a Jackal

Villagers’ debut album, “Becoming a Jackal”, is almost at our fingertips and the blog world suggests it has become one of 2010’s much anticipated releases. The songs of Villagers are the brainchild of Conor J. O’Brien. His lyrics read like poetry; the words could stand alone and still be art.

April 15th, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in acoustic, folk, indie rock  |  7 comments

D.B. Rouse – D.B. Rouse

Today, I stumbled upon D.B. Rouse while looking for something completely unrelated. He sounded like a man who’d lived many lives. Indeed, when I read his story, it became clear that D.B. is man who has lived the life of a constant wanderer: stripped down and bare, broke and yearning to live life, Rouse’s songs reflect his time on the road.

April 14th, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in americana, folk  |  1 comment

Broadcast 2000 – Broadcast 2000

Multitalented singer-songwriter Joe Steer is the main guy behind this music. He uses computer-generated looping to build lush arrangements with various acoustic instruments. The result? A smattering of folk, acoustic, indie musical layering. While in the past Steer played all the instruments, and then layered, this time he enlisted the help of violinist Tom Hobden of Noah and the Whale. His live shows feature a full live band, to recreate the songs he first composed.

April 7th, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in acoustic, folktronica, indie pop  |  3 comments

Shout Out Louds – Work

The new album, Work, starts off promising with “1999.” With this song there’s a Mates of State-esque undertone that peaks my curiosity. From here, it’s hit or miss. Songs on Work vary from surf rock, to dream pop, with the occasional pure indie rock song, and yet, the overall sound is all a little fuzzy. Gone are the days with full bands, and great catchy rock tunes. These guys used to be one of my favorite bands to run to, the music would keep me going.

March 11th, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in indie rock  |  3 comments

East Hundred – Passenger

Today’s indie rock scene doesn’t always have enough female fronted bands that get me addicted. But, with bands like Land of Talk, Rainer Maria and now East Hundred, I say “Hand those chicks a mic, and let their vocals spill out emotion!” East Hundred’s story isn’t all that unpredictable: boys grow up together, boys make music, one asks girlfriend to add vocal track, girl and boy break-up, band survives and grows from it musically (The break-up lyrics really shine through on “Pony”).

March 3rd, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in female vocalists, shoegaze  |  2 comments

Vistas – Mute

Vista is comprised of Josh Nagle and Owen Cartwright (or œ). Josh plays the analog sampler (KORG ELECTRIBE), laptop computer, and keyboard and Owen plays guitars, a laptop live station and an APC40. While most bands move to the big city, these two are holding strong to their Maine roots.

February 2nd, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in electronic, experimental, instrumental, house  |  3 comments