Berndsen - Lover in the Dark
I was recently so impressed with Berndsen’s track “Supertime” from the “Made In Iceland Vol. 3″ that I had to purchase his whole album “Lover in the Dark”. The whole album is dark, zany, dance-y and just fun. I liked it so much, I sought to interview this enigmatic Icelandic artist. Click for more! (Including an mp3!)
Ory Hodis and Mike Jerigum from Undo
I recently had a chance to ask some questions of Undo whose new album “As Always, But Never Before” is an expansive experiment in songwriting and soundscapes. The band consists of Ory Hodis and Mike Jerigum who both have ties to experimental rock band Woven. To read the interview and download an MP3 click below!
Will Knox choosing colors for his dining room
Will Knox's "The Matador and the Acrobat"
Will Knox is a singer songwriter transplant from England who has spent time in Boston, eventually settling in New York City where he rides the subway for hours looking for inspiration with a pen and notebook. He has landed support roles for the likes of Art Garfunkel and others with his folksy instrumentation and biting lyrics. His acclaimed album “The Matador and the Acrobat” was released last year and ended up on several year end best of lists. Upon first listen his music sounds like an amalgamation of Andrew Bird’s eccentric instrumentation and Ben Lee’s careful lyricism.
The album has a few powerful numbers like “Buckled Knees” “Crocodile” and “Footsteps on the Moon” but overall the album suffers from too much spare instrumentation and plodding paces of songs. That’s not to say a slow song can’t be interesting, but Will Knox uses banjo and cello repeatedly in a similar fashion which makes his album all blend together into mopey music except for those aforementioned tracks. That aside, he’s got a great voice and a great sense of song structure and lyrics, so he’s surely someone to keep an eye on.
Another thing that grabbed me about this album was it’s beautiful cover art by Bruce Holwerda. Check out more of his great art over at BruceHolwerda.com
School of Seven Bells - Photo by Abbey Drucker
School of Seven Bells, the psychedelic sirens backed by former Secret Machine Benjamin Curtis have released a new visually stunning video for “Windstorm”, the opening track off of their new album “Disconnect From Desire”. To view it simply click “like” on their facebook page here. Easy enough huh?
I receive many albums via snail mail and I don’t get a chance to write about them like I should. One of the albums that I was sent recently that made an impact on me was “Made in Iceland 3″, the third in a compilation series featuring a diverse group of Icelandic acts. There are acts that range from orchestral and experimental to pop, folk and electro. In this compilation there should be something for everyone.
Some highlights of the album for me are the epic pop of Jonsi on “Boy Lilikoi”, the enticing synth pop of Berndsen on “Supertime” and the cute girl/boy vocal interplay on Feldberg’s “Dreamin’”.
Arizona band What Laura Says.
I had a chance to speak with up and coming Arizona band “What Laura Says” about their inspirations, experiences and their excellent new album “Bloom Creek”. For the interview, some cool artwork and an MP3 read on! (more…)
Wesley the Robot Giving a Fall Concert Preview!
Maybe it’s just that I’m becoming more attuned to what’s happening in the central New York area, or maybe it’s just that concerts in the area are getting better, more affordable, closer etc. Either way, there are some prime opportunities coming up in the next few months for concert goers to see some good bands who have just put out some great albums this summer and fall and I wanted to take the time to share them with you. Venture further to see some videos and download some MP3s. (more…)
Cool tunes from me to you!
Greetings to you, blog readers. It has been too long since I have posted something new. I’ve been busy with real jobs and real life, but I’m making amends for my negligence now. Here is a little feature that I’ll probably continue from time to time to share some of the better covers and remixes that I get sent. Hope your collective summer is going well! Godspeed!
I’m Not a Band – She’s Lost Control (Joy Division Cover)
Empire of the Sun – We Are the People (NightWaves Remix)
Yeasayer – Ambling Alps (Alan Wilkis Remix)
Wave Machines – Keep the Lights On (Artwork Remix)
Todd Edwards – I Might Be (My Dear Disco Remix)
Thieves Like Us – Forget Me Not (Sundance Remix)
MillionYoung – Cynthia (Letting Up Despite Great Faults Cover)
School of Seven Bells - Photo by Abbey Drucker
The trippy three piece, School of Seven Bells is set to release their second album called “Disconnect from Desire” on July 13th. You can pre-order the album here and listen to it in it’s entirety here at the price of your e-mail address. The album, from my brief time with it, is another adventure in sonic sculpting, cooing female harmonies and atmospheric beats. Below the fold you will find a video of the band discussing thier beginnings and latest album as well as a tour schedule and mp3! (more…)
The Rustic Overtones
On a whim recently, I just reminiscing about bands that I had liked in high school, I decided to look up the Rustic Overtones to play for my girlfriend and I found that not only had they reformed in 2007, but they had subsequently released two new albums. Epic fail on my part for not checking on them earlier. For mp3′s and a video, journey below the fold! (more…)
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