Author Archives: jill ettinger

12.28.10
by

Happy New Year Receives Gift in “Hotel” Video


Yay for privacy! We complain about not having enough of it, but when artists can retreat to make-shift studios in condemned 19th century breweries to record solo projects, it’s time to count your amendment blessings.

Eleanor Logan of Adult Themes released a 7″ of vengeful pop songs receiving critical acclaim (as if anyone else would take the time) under the name Happy New Year.

UK Director, Rob Heppell created the enticing video for “Hotel” which you can view once you’ve finished reading this sentence.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR- HOTEL from rob heppell on Vimeo.

12.28.10
by

Reading Rainbows ‘Prism Eyes’ Refracts New Light into Music


What’s so alluring about Reading Rainbow‘s Prism Eyes is its intangible familiarity. Duo Robbie Garcia and Sarah Everton deliver a naked, stripped down lo-fi hearkening to 1960s American pop that’s peppered with hints of 90’s era Sleater Kinney. Much like fellow garage-punk genre benders Best Coast and Wavves, Reading Rainbow does a lot with a little. Their permaculturally minded compositions may in part be fueled by their health-food obsession—a clean body equals a clear mind after all, and even in their muddled hazy sounds, clarity is actually ever present.

The chunky guitar work and droning lyrical hooks of their not-quite upbeat tracks, like the album’s tangy opener, “Wasting Time,” the epic “Runaways” and the outstanding “Cut in Two” sinks deep into parts of us accessible only through hollow sounds and reverb.

What’s so lasting about Prism Eyes is its accessibility, its now-and-then-ness that seems somewhat imperative, though it’s not exactly clear why. The echoey “Let’s Dream Tonight” and “To My Gemini” offer a monotonous reprieve from the over-produced and under-titillating Kanye-esque cluttered world refracting into everything. Prism Eyes is kind of like the way a big healthy salad can reverse the damage of too many Big Macs; Reading Rainbow may not be as dramatic as the other options out there, but nonetheless their essence is a necessity. And despite our seemingly endless feedback loop of insanity, everything is all right even when it’s not, or at least, through the haze it appears that way.

12.27.10
by

Matt Lowell to Perform at Mercury Lounge January 8


Berklee College of Music grad Matt Lowell is known for his contrast between intimate, soft vocals to roaring powerful bursts of passion. He’s been featured at CMJ, SXSW, Sundance, Hotel Café and on recent tours with Howie Day, Tony Lucca, Serena Ryder.

On the heels of wrapping up recording on his second EP, Second Storm with help from writer/producer Crit Harmon, the Long Island native returns to New York City with a show at the Mercury Lounge on January 8th.

Recently voted as an “Artist To Watch” by Clear Channel and  “Best of Long Island Singers for 2010” Lowell’s energy and enthusiasm promises to make this a show not to be missed.

12.23.10
by

Brooklyn’s Coasting Wrap Up East Coast Dates

Before heading to New Zealand to tour and gaze at sheep, Brooklyn’s Coasting has just wrapped up some U.S. tour dates that started December 15th in Washington DC with Reading Rainbow.

The indie-poppy-dreamy sounds of Coasting can also be enjoyed on the release of two singles on 7″ vinyl that came out December 8th. French label, Atelier Ciseaux (Best Coast, Jeans Wilder, Young Prisms, Lucky Dragons) paired Coasting with tour mates, Reading Rainbow for a release and M’Ladys Records (Tyvek, Tamaryn, Finally Punk, Explode into Colors) scored some glowing vinyl from Jack White’s The Dead Weather’s stash and will be releasing a Coasting 7″ on that.

12.23.10
by

Perfume Genius and Light Asylum Played Bushwick’s Envelope

Perfecting the catalyzing power of music, Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) transformed his personal challenges with addiction, abuse and suicidal thoughts into some of the most critically acclaimed music of the year.
The debut single from Learning, “Mr. Peterson” is a dark and moving tale of a high school teacher, touching on deep and visceral emotions.

Bringing his haunting sounds to the new Bushwick studio, record label and performance space, Envelope, Perfume Genius was joined in Brooklyn by Light Asylum.

Singer Shannon Funchess has a powerful range from low and operatic to post-punk meshes with Bruno Coviello’s 80’s synth forest of sound for a rich and lush journey to the sweet and scary.

12.20.10
by

Jenny O’s Holiday Present For You


You may want to leave a key under the door for Santa this year, because with all the goodies he’s bringing, he just might not fit through the chimney. In his bag he’s got the latest from west-coast happy-folk darlin, Jenny O, her holiday gift, “Get Down for the Holidays,” releasing on Target’s The Christmas Gig. Do Santa’s back a favor and grab her other holiday single, “Prettiest Little Present,” for free, here.

Mixing influences from the 60’s and 70s along with her jazz-fueled hip hop and pop music, Jenny O’s new video, “Well OK, Honey” was shot with help from some friends in Humboldt County. View the video below and if you’re in the Greater Los Angeles area or looking for an excuse to get your Hollyweird on, Jenny O will be performing at the Bootleg Theater in February for four weeks.

February 7 – Los Angeles, CA – Bootleg Theater
February 14 – Los Angeles, CA – Bootleg Theater
February 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Bootleg Theater
February 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Bootleg Theater