Cheers Elephant is a band based out of the city of brotherly love, and whose sound has its roots in everything from 60′s psychedelia, alternative country, folk, and rock. The band is composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Derek Krzywicki, bassist Travelin’ Mat, lead guitarist Jordan del Rosario, and drummer Roberto Kingston. Their songs run through a gamut of melodic guitars, hazy swooning harmonies, phaser effects, and some irresistable classic rock stylings. Known for their fevered live shows and love of dark beer, if these cheerful elephants happen to be in your neck of the jungle, check them out. With bands like Ra Ra Riot and Vampire Weekend blowing up, these guys might soon be taking to larger venues as well. They are set to play an album release party January 17 at the North Star in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Cheers Elephant – Wide Eyed

Cheers Elephant – Mr. Marvelous

Cheers Elephant Myspace

Computerization a.k.a. Derek is a one man band from Brooklyn akin to the likes of Figurine. This comparison is particularly strong on “1Point14Me” where the artist’s friend Ashley does a fantastic job of imitating Meredith Figurine. The rest of the self-titled album realizes just how low-fi an electronica project can be. Aside from the opening track there is no vocoder within earshot, instead there’s an off kilter warbling whisper of sometimes too intimate lyrics. Some songs come out as straight up awkward like “MyBody” which sounds like a rejected carnie’s struggle with narcissism or “Fukuwinicu” which you can decipher by looking at for a little while. It’s not as eccentric and self indulgent as early Panther and Treasure Mammal releases, if you can get past the voice, there’s some nice melodies and analog keyboard sounds. That opening track is particularly sweet. Check it out.

Computerization – 1Point14Me

Computerization Myspace