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  |  1 comment

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

Essential Sounds of Winter: Part 2 of 2

When we published Part One of this series, we had yet to live through the Snowpocalypse that engulfed DC. A work-from-home-days later (and snowball fights and keg drinking) later, and we’re ready for Part Two of our Essential Sounds of Winter series.

February 12th, 2010  |  by jason grishkoff, hannahsimon, J Meagher, Jess Alatorre, el gringo rico, taylor fife and camden andrews  |  published in playlists  |  8 comments

Essential Sounds of Winter: Part 1 of 2

Since the New Year, DC has been hammered. We toppled Christmas’s record, with nearby areas reporting up to 3 feet of the fluffy stuff. With another 10-20 inches predicted for Tuesday-Wednesday, we’re pretty sure it’s time to present our Essential Sounds of Winter. So join us as a few of Indie Shuffle’s contributors share the albums that they like to whip out when there’s no choice but to stay indoors.

February 9th, 2010  |  by jason grishkoff, Jess Alatorre, camden andrews, el gringo rico, taylor fife and J Meagher  |  published in playlists  |  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

Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More

I recently read a blog about why we travel and somehow this band has reminded me of that article. The science blog says that travel allows our brain to be more creative, as we open ourselves to a constant stream of surprises. Even once we go back home, and even though everything might be the same, everything is different because our framework has changed. Mumford and Sons does this for me- I feel the confusion that comes from surprise, and it leaves the possibility for newness in discovery.

January 21st, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in acoustic, bluegrass, folk  |  1 comment

Little Comets – One Night in October

Ah! Finally a band to put a bit of step into these cold gray winter days.; I bring you Little Comets, straight out of Newcastle. With their glorious yelps, full band, and indie rock sound, I feel myself washing away the days of sad quiet folk and dancing my way into new love for England’s answer to Vampire Weekend. However, unlike Vampire’s hit-or-miss singles, I’m finding myself amused by all of Little Comet’s songs. There is range in style, but fluidity to their sound. At times, through the northern accents, I even hear a little Kings of Leon twang.

January 5th, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in alternative, indie rock, post-punk

Headlights – Wildlife

As a band, Headlights is usually everything that good indie pop is made off: cute lyrics, catchy melodies, and solid harmonies. However, this album went a little headier, a little more emotional and a little fuzzier. The album “Wildlife,” released in October, is 42 minutes of wonderbliss.

December 31st, 2009  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in dreamwave/chillwave, experimental, female vocalists, indie pop, shoegaze