The Shins - Wincing The Night Away

The Shins
Wincing The Night Away
(Sub Pop)

I'm sure you've heard of the band that would "change your life." With just a few words The Shins went from an obscure indie crush to a full blown commercial love story. They are known for their orginal brand of sleepy-garage rock that you might've caught your mom humming along to from time to time.

Singer/songwriter James Mercer and company are back and this time they're not in it for you. They're not here to save your life, they simply want you to know that you can learn from your mistakes and failed relationships. "Phantom Limb," the first single, is sure to catch your attention with it's groovy chorus of "ooh's and ahs." "Sea Legs" is a departure from what you may have come to expect and a great surprise with it's heavy grooves and synth beats pulling you to the dancefloor. "Red Rabbits" may remind you of the dreamy nature of previous works; Mercer seems to want to give up, warning "I might just give the dark side a try." "Turn On Me" chronicles the end of a once pleasant relationship saying "You had to know I was fond of you though I knew you masked your distain."

Part of Wincing's charm is its ability to make you comfortable while hearing a very uncomfortable situation being played out. This is a band unafraid to try new things and skeptics of the band should do the same and ignore the hype. Every track stands seperate from the bunch and the overall tone isn't at all as overwhelming as some breakup songs can be. The familiarity is what will keep long-time fans listening and get newcomers tapping their toes along. — Naimah Holmes

MySpace | SubPop

Pete Nischt - Sandbox

Pete Nischt
Sandbox
(Regular Music)

Pete Nischt's Sandbox EP is the first release from New Jersey's promising indie label Regular Music. "Hello Denver" is a love song to the people and places missed when on the road asking "Please say hello to Denver I'm stuck here alone / Colorado's caling me out." "Second Second Chances" is soft, sweet, and all the things you never say to the one you want. There's a simplicity to the lyrics with lines such as "My best has never been good enough for her." The third track "Sandbox" is by far the strongest lyrically of the bunch. It reminds us that what we perceive of love at a young age may not be all we imagined it to be and that the bumpy road may be just the reality we need. "Stars" questions a relationship and the fate of the narrator. In the final track "June," Nischt shows the complexity of his playing. Lines such as "Make your mind up / Follow your heart / He may love you / but I still love you more," tries to make his loves choice easier.

Sandbox shows sincerity, honesty, and talent - three qualities that are hard to find in music these days. It can only get better from here on out. — Naimah Holmes

MySpace | Official Site | Regular Music

Hitting the charts!

We've mentioned them before, featured them in a previous spotlight, and now we've gotten word that the VAN GUNN boys are charting on the specialty radio singles chart. That's right - they've debuted at #17 for their single "Pull The Trigger" and this is just the beginning of things to come.

Our favorite dutch boys will be once again hitting the road in Mid-Feb for six weeks. Tour dates to be announced on Monday, January 15th. Before taking over the world ;)

If you haven't already checked them out:

http://www.myspace.com/vangunn
http://www.vangunn.com

We're so proud boys!

watch : Last Call w/ Carson Daly

Show up late. Get lost. Don't brush your hair. And still managed to get front row at a Carson taping. Yep, that's just how High Voltage rolls. Tune in to Last Call w/ Carson Daly TONIGHT (he's on after Conan) and see if you can spot Jesica, Chelsea, and I! Aannnnd watch tomorrow night w/ Rock Kills Kid as musical guests, you'll spot us in that too. ;o)

It's all happening, indeed.

PS: Check out our radio station on nifty Pandora if you haven't done so already!

High Voltage Radio

We're pretty hooked to Pandora over here, so it only makes sense that we've formed our own station, so to speak. High Voltage Radio. Spread the word and let us know what you think!