Indie Shuffle » the white stripes

Black Manila – Shake That Thing

Bri Guy — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:37:23 +0000

Sounds like: Black Lips, Velvet Underground, The White Stripes, The Strokes, Wavves

Song: Black Manila - Shake That Thing [download here]

What's so good?

This South London trio have garage rock thing going for them. Black Manila last appeared on Indie Shuffle with “June ’95,” and they are currently writing thier debut album. While we wait for that, they released a new single!

“Shake That Thing” is a powerful rock song that features loud vocals and free flowing guitar riffs. If you’re enjoying jamming to this song, grab an order off Bandcamp. Also, Black Manila will be touring Europe this April — so check the band’s website for dates if you’re over there.

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1. Original post: Black Manila – Shake That Thing

2. Posted in: indie rock, rock, lo-fi, garage rock, the strokes

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Rodriguez – Hate Street Dialogue (Round Table Knights Searching For Sugar Man Edit)

Justin Lam — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:05:54 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The Black Keys, The Peach Kings, The White Stripes

Song: Rodriguez - Hate Street Dialogue (Round Table Knights Searching For Sugar Man Edit) [download here]

What's so good?

So, anyone watch the Oscars? Well, I happened to come across this song after doing some research on the award-winning documentary Searching For Sugar Man, which follows the story of Detroit folksinger Sixto Rodriguez. Turns out he was pretty bad ass guy who set fire to himself, and, among other things, shot himself in the head in order to make an interesting rock statement and still managed to live on to tell the tale.

After failing to make an impact in America, he gave up his career as a musician. However, although he was relatively unknown in his home country by the mid 70s, his albums were starting to gain airplay in countries like South Africa, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), New Zealand and Australia. He was kind of a rock star as his music was about freedom of expression, something that wasn’t aloud in South Africa during the Apartheid; in a way this music freed everyone from the pain and sadness. It’s crazy how music can have such a physical and mental affect on people, especially during such a sad and depressing time.

The documentary tells the story of two South Africans that set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock ‘n’ roller Sixto Rodriguez. As a tribute, the Round Table Knights have turned his original “Hate Street Dialogue” into a smooth groove that’s laced with extra percussive grooves and extra handclaps. A hazy, easy listening track that’ll warm the spirits.

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1. Original post: Rodriguez – Hate Street Dialogue (Round Table Knights Searching For Sugar Man Edit)

2. Posted in: folk-rock, psychedelic, rock, blues rock, singer-songwriter

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Vamos – Stones

John Matthew Simon — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:26:54 +0000

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Sounds like: MC5, The White Stripes, Black Keys

Song: ¡Vamos! - Stones [download here]

What's so good?

¡Vamos! sound is a bold and brazen rehash of psychedelic rock mixed with a punk ethos, a fervor beholden to the blues, and topped off with a brash lyrical sensibility that leaves you stumblebum, with hooks to toss with friends.

¡Vamos¡ is a party in motion, imploring that we recall and immerse ourselves in a time when music weighed more than gadgets and the gregarious expectations they tow. A time when sharing and liking was about listening to music with friends, not about accompanying acquaintances on digital walkabouts.

¡Vamos! has quickly established themselves in Chicago and soon will pluck the heartstrings of the rest of America, starting with SXSW. Earlier this winter, the group hit the studio to record and mix two new songs, “Stones” and “Chemicals.” Both of which are incredible, however we found that “Stones” sums up ¡Vamos! at this moment in time; it exhibits the provocative and evocative nature of the band. If and when you get a chance to see these guys, jump on it. They’ll leave you before you leave them, and you’ll be stuck waiting for more.

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1. Original post: Vamos – Stones

2. Posted in: psychedelic, rock, garage, the black keys, psychedelic rock

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Friday Five: Say It Like A Man

Lauren Sloss — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:31:00 +0000

Being in love it doesn’t mean you have to have to get all weepy about it. I mean, no offense to the bards of old, but what’s with the mushy shit? That’s no way to make your case. You’re in love? RAD! Say it like a man. Preferably, a man with some serious guitar playing skills and a sexy growly singing voice.

So, in light of Valentine’s Day, which, as crappy of a holiday as it may be, exists, I present to you five dudes who know how to say it right. Because when did crying about it ever get you laid?

1. Original post: Friday Five: Say It Like A Man

2. Posted in: indie rock, rock, blues rock, the black keys, friday five

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Song: Deer Tick - Something To Brag About [Downloa d]

Song: The Rolling Stones - Let's Spend The Night Together [Downloa d]

Song: The White Stripes - You're Pretty Good Looking (For A Girl) [Downloa d]

Song: The Who - Shakin' All Over (Live At Leeds) [Downloa d]

Song: The Black Keys - I'll Be Your Man [Downloa d]

Silent Lions – Never Gonna See You Again

Rachel Skotarczyk — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:11:18 +0000

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Sounds like: Band of Skulls, Wildlife Control, The White Stripes, The Strokes

Song: Silent Lions - Never Gonna See You Again [download here]

What's so good?

“You know, your clothes may say disco, but your eyes say rock n’ roll,” (Detroit Rock City). Maybe a little bit of the opposite in my case, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m sitting in Detroit, and rock and roll appreciation runs in the blood; thus, I bring you a new EP from a break-out Toledo band Silent Lions.

Interestingly enough, singer Dean Tartaglia and drummer Matt Klein turned to Detroit for the final touches on their album, enlisting local mastermind Zach Shipps (Electric Six, Lettercamp) for the production.

Channeling the weighty raw energy needed to rock, Silent Lions go heavy on the freak fuzz and atmospheric synths, adding a dose of soulful spook hooks that leave their live shows sounding just as thick and creamy as they do on record.

What do these guys got that the next rock and roll duo doesn’t? Did I mention the saxophone? Move over Kenny G.; you’re not the only being that kooky Griz – Silent Lions are known to calm the chaos with a smooth does of silky sax. They’re a fun show live and equally enjoyable to listen to recorded, so scope out their first EP via Bandcamp and get acquainted.

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1. Original post: Silent Lions – Never Gonna See You Again

2. Posted in: indie rock, rock, lo-fi, the strokes, the white stripes

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Chemist – Spray Paint or Praise

hmcclure — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:35:26 +0000

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Sounds like: The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, The Preatures, Belles Will Ring

Song: The Chemist - Spray Paint or Praise [download here]

What's so good?

Perth’s The Chemist has always been one of those bands you can’t believe hasn’t blown up yet. Great live performances and a unique sound have resulted in a loyal following locally, with two celebrated EPs already gracing their discography.

With the four-piece scheduled to release their debut album in early 2013, we’ve already been treated to the LP’s first single “Spray Paint or Praise.” If this is what we should expect from the album, 2013 is going to be a great year. It’s full of swagger and sass, with a dirty blues vibe completed with hovering organ, sultry guitar riffs and brilliant, reverbed vocals from frontman Ben Witt.

You can download the track for free from the band’s SoundCloud, and while you’re at it, check out the single’s accompanying video.

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1. Original post: The Chemist – Spray Paint or Praise

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie, Australia, psychedelic, rock

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Orwells – Mallrats (La La La)

Bri Guy — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:33:31 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Cloud Nothings, The White Stripes, Bass Drum Of Death, Arctic Monkeys

Song: The Orwells - Mallrats (La La La) [download here]

What's so good?

I discovered The Orwells, a self-described “flower punk” group out of Chicago, while listening to Sirius XMU. I was instantly hooked. Consisting of five 17-year olds, The Orwells remind me a bit of Cloud Nothings, which is a really good thing.

“Mallrats (La La La)” is intense rock song that features drowning vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and driving drum work that all blend together perfectly. This song is off their debut LP, Remember When, which was released on August 7 via Autumn Tone Records.

If you find yourself playing this track repeatedly like I have been, then head over to Autumn Tone Records’ website for more information on Remember When.

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1. Original post: The Orwells – Mallrats (La La La)

2. Posted in: indie rock, rock, garage rock, punk, Arctic Monkeys

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Preachers – Take a Card

hmcclure — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:08:06 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The Black Keys, The White Stripes, Kill City Creeps

Song: The Preachers - Take a Card [download here]

What's so good?

Sydney five-piece the Preachers are the very definition of old school cool. This is the sort of music you raid your parents record collection for, not listen to on SoundCloud! Excitement is growing for the release of their EP Shaking Hands (which is due any day now), and given the brilliance of the EP’s first single, the excitement is well warranted.

Recorded in L.A. with the help of noted producer Tony Buchen, “Take a Card” is a musical delight. An upbeat, poppy blues track, it moves slightly from the band’s often darker roots. The vocal banter between Gideon Bensen and Isabella Manfredi is a highlight, as is the soaring organ line and hand-clap percussion. The track is perfectly produced to give it gritty finish, it almost sounds like a vinyl no matter how you’re listening to it.

The Preachers’ obvious talents have the band in a good position for growth, surely a band this good can’t stay hidden for long.

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1. Original post: The Preachers – Take a Card

2. Posted in: indie rock, Australia, rock, Sydney, the black keys

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Band of Skulls – Sweet Sour

Rachel Skotarczyk — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:27:15 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Black Rebel Motorcycle club, Superdrag, Black Keys, The White Stripes

Song: Band of Skulls - Sweet Sour [download here]

What's so good?

“Sweet Sour” is a solid piece of rock and roll. Band of Skulls is an attractive package of raw power. Thus, it’s easy to get sucked in immediately.

Formed in 2008, Band of Skulls is from Southampton, England and consists of Russell Marsden (guitar, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums). They are pro at maintaining that garage rock feel, despite their increasing success, the music still sounds like an impulse — as rock and roll should be.

The vocal combo of Marsden and Richardson makes their style a little more accessible and gives it a slightly more seductive quality. The refreshing thing about “Sweet Sour” is that one doesn’t have to read to much into this track. The lyrics almost take a back seat to the driving guitar riffs. They scream, “fucking LISTEN to me,” so I’m listening, and it tells it like it is, and it’s living for the moment — and that too, is great rock and roll.

“Sweet Sour” is all you hear ring out over all that lovely noise, and it’s got me feeling saucy, no pun intended. The full release is pegged for later this month. Righteous.

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1. Original post: Band of Skulls – Sweet Sour

2. Posted in: indie rock, garage rock, the black keys, noise rock, the white stripes

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Jack White – Machine Gun Silhouette

Jason Grishkoff — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:12:17 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The White Stripes, The Raconteurs

Song: Jack White - THIS SONG REMOVED [download here]

What's so good?

NOTE THAT JACK WHITE’S LABEL HAS REMOVED THIS TRACK FROM THE INTERNET. SERIOUSLY…IT’S GONE :-(

While the quality might be a bit janky, according to Some Kind of Awesome, a fan must have managed to get their hands on the B-side to Jack White’s recent single and subsequently uploaded it to YouTube. “Machine Gun Silhouette” is a fun track straight out of the Old West, and certainly promises lots from the upcoming Blunderbuss.

If you’re looking to find the A-side, you can listen here or purchase here.

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1. Original post: Jack White – Machine Gun Silhouette

2. Posted in: indie rock, blues rock, jack white, the white stripes

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Live in Chicago: The Kills at The Riviera

Joshua Mellin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:48:50 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The Horrors, Blood Red Shoes, Band of Skulls

Song: The Kills - Baby Says [download here]

What's so good?

Although not completely sold out, there was a certain energy in the crowd at the Riviera last Friday as The Kills, Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart (sporting a fierce swirl of pink hair), took the stage. Considering a rush hour snowstorm, the crowd on the floor was plenty ample, a still large contingency of hardcore fans on hand to see a festival favorite in a more intimate setting.

A fully formed vision, their current live incarnation is a completely immersive experience. Forewarning visuals, complete with a dramatic leopard print backdrop, create a suspense that sets the mood consummately. With snarling songstress Alison Mosshart stomping along with guitarist Jamie Hince charging forward with full force, this isn’t a duo just banging around pots and pans. They’ve taken their noisy bravado and synthesized it into something more emotive, with Hince’s unique playing style adding a certain weight to Mosshart’s threatening lyrics,

Instead of depending solely on drum machines, they’ve incorporated two female back up singers and two bandana’d drummers. These subtle additions really filled out their live sound to where it sounded more complete, and they were able to produce a deeper reggae grove on newer songs like “Satellite,” and brighten tracks from across all four of their releases. They also played fantastic striped down version of Willie Nelson’s “Crazy,” that they recorded for their iTunes Exclusive Live Session EP.

The Kills current tour winds through North America through early February.

[nggallery id=51]
Photos by: Joshua Mellin

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1. Original post: Live in Chicago: The Kills at The Riviera

2. Posted in: indie rock, garage rock, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the white stripes, the kills

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Black Keys – El Camino

Joshua Mellin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:27:54 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The White Stripes, Wolfmother

Song: The Black Keys - Sister [download here]

What's so good?

The garage rock heroes from Ohio have added a cylinder to their sound on every successive album, to the point where they’re firing away on a V7. Here, on their seventh full studio album El Camino, the duo have relocated to Nashville where guitarist Dan Auerbach has founded his own recording studio. Along with drummer Patrick Carney, they delve into punk influences from the likes of the The Clash and The Cramps, and, like both 2008′s Attack & Release and 2010′s Brothers, El Camino is produced by Danger Mouse, Brian Burton.

In the tongue-and-cheek manner fans of the band have come accustomed to, the cover art, a photograph taken by drummer Patrick’s brother Michael, features an old van with wood paneling — a mislabeled used car advertisement of sorts.

Songs from The Black Keys’ last few albums have been proudly used in television shows, movies, and countless commercials to sell everything from diamonds to jeans, and my first reaction to hearing their El Camino was: this album could definitely sell cars for the next 40 years.

So just what car would each song sell?

The first track, “Lonely Boy” is already being used in the trailer for the new racing video game “Need for Speed: The Run,” a bouncy tune that sounds like its being played through a warped record player is somewhat vengeful, and maybe just a little unstable: The Ford Bronco. Nearly uninsurable and a favorite getaway vehicle.

“Dead and Gone” follows up with a soulful mo-town beat that’s sparkle harkens back to Detroit’s hey-day, and the classic Chevrolet Chevelle, (convertible of course) A logical choice as the Chevelle line featured the album’s name sake.

I’m sure they aren’t street legal, but “Gold On The Ceiling” could probably still sell a Zamboni. Destined to be played in sports arenas, perhaps a bit bulky and slightly predictable, it’s still stands as an undeniably fun track that will no doubt get the crowd on their feet.

When I first saw “Little Black Submarines” on the track list, I circled it as “better be the most insane Black Keys song I’ve ever heard.” Well, they got lucky — it’s unlike almost any other song of theirs. Opening with a lonely finger picking plea, “Operator please/put me back on the line/told my girl I’d be back operator/please, this is wrecking my mind,” after two minutes it melts into an absolutely psychedelic orchestral anthem. There’s only one car for this song: a big black submarine like Chevy Astrovan, complete with a mythological warrior wielding a giant sword detailed on the side, a slain dragon as a hood ornament and a twin bed squeezed in the back. “Can it be the voices calling me get lost in time?” scrawled across the door.

“Money Maker” is a song for the gold diggers — you know the kind, ”Oh, now she wants milk & honey/Oh, she wants filthy money.” She drives a Lexus SUV with a Christmas bow she never took off: “Hey now, now, she’s a money maker/Hey now, now, she’s gonna take you.”

“Run Right Back” is for the outdoor enthusiasts, perhaps an off-roading Jeep cutting through thick jungles, and damp swamps, whatever it takes to get back to her.

“Sister” is so far my favorite song on El Camino. Did you know The Black Keys actually have their own car model? The Blackroc Camaro, designed to promote their sometimes overlooked 2009 collaborative hip-hop album. The sleek black design matches the tightness of the guitar and the determined, steady beat of the song.

“Hell of a Season” reminds me of a My Morning Jacket tune I can’t exactly place. A bit redundant, especially after the similar “Sister,” it troubles to find the right gear, like an old hippie bus.

“Stop Stop” is a well oiled machine, and though the title begs for a break, this song just goes on finely laid vocals with the the precision of a Cadillac.

A compact song with understated civility, “Nova Baby” is an easy track to pair; it’s the Nova, Baby. Another Chevrolet, the Nova was a tough muscle car with class.

“Mind Eraser,” El Camino‘s finale, sees Dan & Patrick cruising off into the sunset on a strong note, like James Bond, sure to return soon with another daring adventure. And, like 007, they’re in an Aston Martin, packed with models — like a clown car to total excess. A fierce finish to an album that definitely flexes its motor muscle.

The Black Keys premiered the album live at a show at New York’s Webster hall and make an appearance on The Colbert Report tonight, December 6, the same day the album sees its initial release. This spring also sees The Black Keys taking El Camino on the road on an impressive North American arena tour, following a jaunt through Europe.

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1. Original post: The Black Keys – El Camino

2. Posted in: indie rock, folk-rock, blues rock, garage rock, the black keys

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Coves – Let The Sun Go Down On Me Here

Jason Grishkoff — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:15:19 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: Coves - Let The Sun Go Down On Me Here [download here]

What's so good?

The chill vibe of this bluesy track instantly caught my attention, and after two listens, I decided it was worth highlighting as Song of the Day.

Covers are relatively unknown, releasing their EP on Bandcamp back in August of this year. In fact, they’re so obscure that I can hardly find out any information about them. All I know is that the music was written, produced and performed by John Ridgard, with words written and performed by Beck Wood. That same tidbit of info is on their Facebook, their Twitter and their Bandcamp. Nothing else!

So, as with many posts, I’ll just let the music stand for itself.

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1. Original post: Coves – Let The Sun Go Down On Me Here

2. Posted in: indie rock, female vocalist, blues rock, americana, bluegrass

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The White Stripes – I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (Otis Redding Cover)

Lauren Sloss — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:00:36 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs, The Kills, The Black Keys

Song: The White Stripes - I've Been Loving You Too Long (Otis Redding Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

This song breaks my heart. Not least because the original, courtesy of the incomparable Otis Redding, is as full of heartbreak, passion, and beautiful pain as anything the soul legend has put out. Nor simply because Jack White’s delivery is raw, raging, elemental rock and roll at its finest, complete with classically gnarly White Stripes guitar sounds.

No, my heart breaks over and over as I listen to this track because it’s an example of two musical performances I’ll never see live. Otis Redding was killed in a plane crash at 26, and The White Stripes — in a less tragic end than Mr. Redding — officially broke up this February.

But perhaps that kind of sorrow is exactly what this track needs to really make an impact. Because really, what is longing for musical impossibilities if not pining for lost love?

“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” is a previously unreleased track, just out on Jack White’s Third Man Records Vault subscription service.

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1. Original post: The White Stripes – I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (Otis Redding Cover)

2. Posted in: soul, the black keys, jack white, the white stripes, the kills

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Bass Drum of Death – GB City

Dwayne — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:30:03 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The Strokes, The White Stripes

Song: Bass Drum of Death - Get Found [download here]

What's so good?

With a name that sounds like a contender to Rusko’s position as the crown prince of dubstep, it’s easy to get the wrong idea about Bass Drum of Death.

Despite the misleading name, they are in fact more likely to be the heirs to the throne of The Strokes or The White Stripes — and I don’t say that lightly. The similarites go beyond that there’s only two of them (The White Stripes) or that the singer unecessarily wears sunglasses (The Strokes).

BDOD has managed to pack some of the finest aspects from indie into one package on their album GB City. What I’m talking about is catchy riffs and distortion — overall, quite a heavy sound. The vocals are reminiscent of Julian Casablancas, with a nonchalant, drawling sound. The only real difference from the two aforementioned bands is that BDOD has updated the sound to 2011 standards… and that means super scuzzy!

The rest of GB City is a bit heavier and intense than this track, drawing comparisons to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, but as “Get Found” shows, there is definitely potential for these guys to be a big force in garage rock for years to come!

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1. Original post: Bass Drum of Death – GB City

2. Posted in: indie rock, lo-fi, post-punk, garage rock, the strokes

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Sons of Rico – Reactions

hmcclure — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:51:04 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Wolfmother, Birds of Tokyo, Children Collide

Song: Sons of Rico - This Madness [download here]

What's so good?

Diversity is at the forefront for Sons of Rico on their debut album, Reactions. The Western Australian five-piece delves so deep into a multitude of diverse styles that it’s almost as if you’re listening to a compilation album with a plethora of different bands.

Originally formed in 2004 as a duo of lead guitarist and singer Alex MacRae and drummer Adam Weston (who is also part of the successful Australian rock band Birds of Tokyo), the band has grown, and Glenn Saragapany (guitar, vocals), Rob Stephens (bass), and Brett Murray (keys) have joined the fun.

MacRae and Weston released an EP in 2007, Orange Skies, which was originally only available to purchase at their live shows. Backed by a government grant, the band then started work on what would become Reactions, which was officially released in October 2010.

While the album does shift dramatically from song to song, it does not take away from the continuity. Kicking off with the poppy singles, “Miss Adventure” and “This Madness,” we then see the band’s heavier side on “It’s Alright” and “Sucker.” “In the Morning” is a powerful rock ballad, with Murray’s keys heavily featured. Rounding out the rainbow of styles is “Adam’s Apple,” which has a distinct Motown vibe.

Because of the genre swinging, you might find yourself somewhat confused on the first listen, but it’s undoubtedly an album which takes some time to adjust to. Variation is the key to longevity, and this is true with Reactions, which provides a new angle on each run-through.

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1. Original post: Sons of Rico – Reactions

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, rock, the white stripes, the raconteurs

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

White Mystery – Blood & Venom

Joshua Mellin — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:00:35 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Bare Wires, Bad Sports, The White Stripes

Song: White Mystery - Blood & Venom [download here]

What's so good?

Founded on 4/20 and named after an Airheads flavor, White Mystery are a band that sold me from the start. Miss Alex White shreds guitar with a raw ferocity as her younger brother Francis slams away on the drums, or whatever he’s got nearby. They may also just be the heir apparent to the White Stripes throne.

I tried to avoid the White Stripes comparisons, but it’s impossible. White Mystery is the band the Stripes purported to be: a brother and sister garage rock duo. Except, Alex and Francis are actually brother and sister — them ginger locks don’t lie. They even have the name; let’s not forget Jack’s actual surname is Gillis.

Beyond those obvious surface level similarities, White Mystery is a beast all its own. Rather than draw on blues for their influence as many of their contemporaries have done, their sound is steeped much more in punk. Their self-titled debut presents a cohesive journey across an exploding, ethereal soundscape.

Here on their second album, Blood & Venom these Whites have sharpened their sound like an ax through a meat grinder. Forged in a steel factory during the unforgiving Chicago winter, with heavy beats and groovy riffs, White Mystery captured something even more illusive: authenticity.

Between Alex’s howls and Francis’ shouts, you can tell these kids grew up banging whatever they could find, like pots and pans, to make music. At this year’s SXSW, they sat poolside, Francis without his drum kit clapping away, and Alex ripping away at an unamplified electric guitar like a doctor willing a patient back to life, almost like saying “I’m not gonna lose you, you’re going to rock, damn it!” No difference, they were just there to party anyway.

To celebrate the release of Blood & Venom and their third anniversary, White Mystery plays a doubleheader late night set at Pancho’s (yes, a Mexican cafeteria) in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood on 4/20 (that’s TODAY). Tickets for both shows are available here.

Also, check out this White Mystery sketch by Dmitry Samarov. You can see more of his work, including more live concert sketches, on his website.

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1. Original post: White Mystery – Blood & Venom

2. Posted in: indie rock, future garage, blues rock, garage, post-punk

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Kills – Blood Pressures

Joshua Mellin — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:19:41 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The Dead Weather, The Greenhornes, The Raconteurs, The White Stripes

Song: The Kills - Satellite (Warbler Ariwa Reggae Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

The Kills deliver their best product on Blood Pressures, but are they a lesser band for it?

When Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince first met over ten years ago, they instantly hit it off. They formed The Kills, and even renamed themselves to separate from their pasts. Mosshart became “VV” and Hince became “Hotel.”

Relying on their unspoken musical connection, The Kills began crafting their token minimalist style. At first only using a drum machine, they eventually started using more diverse instruments (like children’s toys) to achieve their desired sounds. The result was quirky, yet edgy.

Their connection was so deep, Mosshart even described them as a “married couple,” but it might actually be a bit more complicated than that.

Their last album, Midnight Boom, received critical acclaim, but shortly after, Alison teamed up with Jack White to head up the Dead Weather. A spurned Hince reportedly auditioned replacements. At the time, it was suggested that Mosshart was angered by the possibility of supermodel Kate Moss, Hince’s now wife, joining the group. It didn’t happen (Hince conceivably appeased Moss by forming a 5-piece side project for her). Adding to the confusion, Mosshart used to date the father of Moss’ children, Jefferson Hack.

In the end, only they really know what really happened. These could have easily been overblown tabloid reports, but I was still surprised to see that The Kills were working on a new record. When VV referred to her relationship with Hotel as a “married couple,” she followed it up with the statement “Our lives depend on each other.” Perhaps she meant their livelihoods depended on it, because that’s the vibe I got from this record. It’s polished, it’s accessible, hell, it’s even got ready-made singles. That’s not what I had come to expect from The Kills. Why did this follow-up album take so long? Mosshart herself blamed the record label.

I recently saw them live. Mosshart showed up, looking pretty unassuming, sporting a blue plaid shirt. Then she snuck back stage, threw on her signature leopard print cardigan, donned her hardcore Dead Weather persona, but didn’t deliver the same kind of energy. She wasn’t pacing back and forth, scratching her veins, screaming at the audience. She was just giggling and burping Redbull. So is this VV? Or Dead Weather Alison? Why were her eyebrows dyed red? These were the questions I found myself asking.

Meanwhile, Hince complained about technical difficulties throughout, and bemoaned playing “corporate gigs.” I think if your sound depends on a lot of electronics, technical issues fall on the band. You can blame whoever you want, but you’re the one who’s supposed to be putting on a stellar performance. Complaining and walking off? Unacceptable. You’re not Jack White.

When all is said and done, Blood Pressures is a good album. I like it. It’s got groovy elements of reggae, it’s rather catchy, and it flows very well. Yet, where the buzzes and whirs on Midnight Boom sounded like an unintended result, they seem planned on Blood Pressures. Even their album cover looks kind of digital, disappointing coming from a band that has a lot of great classical photography to choose from. I would have rather seen The Kills fail miserably at making a more experimental record and advancing their vision rather than just making a good record for their label. It’s probably the best work they’ve produced, but I still have to regard it as a step backwards.

Now, I can’t help but compare. The Dead Weather’s sound is like a really vicious fight followed by some make-up lovin’ whereas The Kills just sounds like two people who don’t like each other but get it on anyway. I guess they really are like a married couple.

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1. Original post: The Kills – Blood Pressures

2. Posted in: indie rock, garage rock, the black keys, the strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

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