Category Archives: Indie

12.29.10
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Spectrals Feel the Love from Critics

This isn’t much of a news story, more so another outlet to herald Louis Jones’ project, Spectrals — but this time with some stamps of approval.  Yes, people are currently digging the UK band’s coyly titled debut EP, Extended Play.  Spectral’s dreamy, romantic 60s pop could be well-received nearly anywhere (including your parent’s prom).  Your parents wont be telling you to turn this shit down.  If you’re new to Spectrals, here is a salvo of tracks and a video to whet your palate.

“I Ran With Love But I Couldn’t Keep Up”

“Chip A Tooth (Spoil A Smile)”

“7th Date”

“Peppermint” (video)

12.29.10
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Jonquil’s Oxford Invasion


Oxford England’s Jonquil are not the Beatles, but they are British, and coming to America. Hugo Manuel, Sam Hudson Scott and Robin McDiarmid have been rehearsing and recording in their studio, aka their UK flat.

As a leading sound in Oxford’s Blessing Force collective, alongside Pet Moon, Trophy Wife, Fixers, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Chad Valley (Jonquil’s own Hugo Manuel), Jonquil brings an exciting and new sound to pop music. Influences of The Smiths, Paul Simon and Mark Ronson, they deliver a royal slice of indie-pop.

Releasing their single, “Fighting Smiles” on RCRD LBL, a vinyl version of their EP, One Hundred Suns is available now and will be released on vinyl in January 2011. Jonquil are slated to perform at SXSW in March 2011, perhaps even adding some US dates. Check ’em out here: Nylon Free Music Download “Fighting Smiles.”

12.29.10
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Asobi Seksu is Laying Down The “Trails” to Greatness


The count is album number four for artist Asobi Seksu.  Fluorescence is available is available to all of North America just one day after the U.K. release on the 14th.  It will be on a variety of formats such as CD, LP, Digital Formats, and for those super-fans a limited edition pink vinyl. So you heard it here there are only 1500 of those puppies get it first.  They are promoting their album with the single “Trails” which is now open for MP3 Download.  This wonderful track will be accompanied by a video at the start of the New Year, can’t wait to see it.

It seems that sometimes the best defense is a good offense.  That is the approach that was taken going into this album. Do the opposite of what you intend and get the best result.  James Hanna puts it this way “This time, our agenda was not to have one at all; to be mellow about the entire process instead of obsessing over everything.”  Personally I don’t think Mellow is the right word.  Maybe strategic chaos.  I know that’s an oxymoron but I have heard the single of the upcoming album myself and it combines illusionary synthesizing with a strong grunge-pop core to set your mind of balance. And just when you think you have a grip on the sound…. BAM! They through in these glorious vocals like a celebration of the comsuming anarchy falling around you…  It’s pretty intense but please don’t take my word for it go download it yourself, who doesn’t like a free experience?

 

12.28.10
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The Decemberists Frontman Looks To Broadway

The Decemberists

 

The Decemberists just finished a new album (The King Is Dead out on January 18th) but frontman Colin Meloy is already after bigger things.

The singer told Spin that he’d already been in contact with the director of Green Day’s American Idiot musical about penning his own show.

According to Spin, Meloy is not quite sure what the musical would be about, but he has some ideas. It will have to wait for a little while at least because the Decemberists embark on a three-month tour January 24th.

12.28.10
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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.