Mates of State Climb High on "Mountaintops"

Mates of State
Mountaintops
Barsuk (2011)

So what do we have here in the new Mates of State offering, Mountaintops?

Honestly, something so confectionary and fun on the ears that I almost can’t stand it, but what do you expect from the seemingly impossibly in love husband-and-wife duo of Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner?

Drums and keyboards surrounded by a shiny gauze of he/she pop harmonies at an almost celestial level? Yes. Complementary is an understatement as only some seriously like-minded individuals can pull this stuff off and make it so you don’t feel the unrestrained urge to hurl. Mountaintops smacks three back-to-back-to-back pop gems that are air on the tongue and light to the visuals: opener “Palamino” goes aerial with its chorus, and at its literal half point grounds itself in Hammel’s percussion, “Maracas” is that thing that should be a pleasure of guilt but then you yell “Fuck that!” because it’s so damned well done, and “Sway” simply does.

Where Mates of State excel is probably where others fail (Matt & Kim); while gleefully earnest throughout, there is no lack of depth and true lyrical poignancy in their indie/pop craft. Because it’s not all sunshine and seashells on Mountaintops; it’s just that Hammel and Gardner are delightful enough to make it feel like so. In "Basement Money", where the struggle of where art meets financial compensation is tackled, the urge to groove is no less present than in "Total Serendipity" which is a crash course in noise-pop (yes, that's brass you hear in the rear); somewhat jangly, but emotionally upwardly mobile. When the mood tempers, some of the human trials and tribulations of married and music making-life are excavated: “Unless I’m Led” has an almost lullaby quality, and the album closer, “Mistakes”, leaves something slightly unsettled in hearing the lyrics “"I need you, but it's not normal if I refuse to be by myself." 

All things in Mountaintops compose an album that sounds like a genuine partnership of fun and artful confessional upon their usual sound canvas of harmonies, subtle textures, and pretty pictures are painted. Nothing to rock out to here, folks, but plenty to make the head and heart bob. 

The Trews - Hope & Ruin

The Trews
Hope & Ruin (2011)
(Bumstead Records)

There are a few running themes throughout The Trews’ fourth studio album, Hope & Ruin, such as redemption, heartbreak, crafty vocal arrangements, homage to CCR, roots rock, guitar distortion, familiarity, and when all neatly line up in a music row, they fair well as a soundtrack to gassing up and hitting the blacktop for an extended session of road-therapy.

Canadians Colin MacDonald, John-Angus MacDonald, Sean Dalton, and Jack Syperek find their musical strength in delivering sharp rockers with an edge of pop sense. From the onset of the kickstarter and blaring opening track, “Misery Loves Company”, Hope & Ruin is all rock anthemic, healthily touched with alt-country and blues. The Trews don’t stray far from where they’ve musically been and that’s not necessarily a bad thing; their sonic trajectory makes for a steady emotional montage of “seeing” the music as well as occasionally thrashing to it.

Some of the best moments on the album are polar opposites; see “People Of the Deer” (apparently based upon the Canadian book of the same name), possibly their noisiest song ever, and by ‘noisiest’ I mean their hardest twist of the dial towards a straight-edged rocker with prolific use of a wah-wah pedal, and the twang doesn’t diminish the vocal urgency of “Burned” especially when the guitar starts to peel off into Luther Dickinson territory.  I’m not mad at them because “One By One” is solid and a delicate rhyming scheme (aka poem) set to music and a good reminder of why lyrics do matter; they help when trying to tell a fucking story. “I hate myself for being miserable; a six-day binge is bound to do it, though” isn’t necessarily a pretty mental picture, but it is a knife of honest exploration.

Grand experimentation may have been kept to a minimum on Hope & Ruin, but then why mess with a good thing?

Go see The Trews tonight at The Viper Room.

Official Website | Twitter

Lifehouse @ LA Country Fairgrounds

Lifehouse
LA County Fairgrounds
Pomona, CA
September 6, 2010

By: Joy R.

Upon entering the venue, the first thing that struck me was how incredibly unsuited the Fairgrounds were for a concert. The stage sat in the middle of a race track and was situated in such a way that those who were not seated in the two sections directly in front had limited if any view. At least the bands seemed aware of the issue as they stayed fairly close to the front during their sets. The hanging monitors helped as well but it would have been nice to see the drummers every once in a while.

The show opened with Alana Grace. Despite the feedback that shrilled every time she approached either of the speakers on the side of the stage, she delivered a fun set. Hamming it up with her guitarists and dancing around the stage. Her music is more on the pop side of rock but it was her voice that really did me in; strong and clear with just the right mix of huskiness. Another thing that struck me was that while she has relatively good stage presence, she wasn’t able to fully command the crowd. She’s young though, give her a few years and I’m sure she’ll become a force to be reckoned with.

The two standout tracks for me were her breakout song, “Black Roses Red” from the soundtrack to Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and a cover of “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes.

After an unavoidably long set from Carolina Liar and an even longer set-up, Lifehouse finally hit the stage. Although their set could have been longer, they still threw in a pretty good range of material. They started strong with the very catchy and singable “All In” but the momentum dropped during “Nerve Damage” and didn’t start back up until bassist Bryce Soderberg (former AM Radio member) took up lead vocals for "Wrecking Ball." This song is always a highlight for me, aside from the fact that Bryce can really sing and hit those higher notes, there's something very honest in his delivery that just works. Singer Jason Wade re-joined about halfway through with his guitar and the two shared a hug at the end. One thing I have to say about Jason is that he truly seems to care about the band and their fans. He not only engaged the audience but singled out specific people here and there with comments and questions.

Predictably, the entire house was on its feet for “Hanging by a Moment” and more or less stayed up through “Falling In.” The sweetest moment was unsurprisingly during “You and Me.” Whether standing or sitting, everyone knew the lyrics and Jason had the audience singing the chorus for what seemed like forever - I don’t think anyone minded. They closed the first set with “First Time,” another fan favorite and fun romp. Wasn’t sure if they’d return for an encore but after a few minutes, Jason came out with an acoustic for “Broken.” The rest of the band joined in as well ending the night on a calmer note.

Setlist:
All In
Halfway Gone
Nerve Damage
Smoke and Mirrors
Whatever It Takes
Wrecking Ball
Blind
Hanging by a Moment
Somebody Else’s Song
Falling In
Take Me Away
You and Me
First Time
Encore: Broken

Lifehouse is off to Europe next but will be back in the US for a headlining tour in October. Check their website for details.

MySpace | Official Site

Band of the Day: Viva City

Have you heard Viva City yet? An UK electronic-rock band that will blow your mind. Currently we only have their 2010 music sampler with six tracks, but those six tracks provide a dance party you can't resist. They played our HIGH VOLTAGE event last night at The Viper Room and if their recorded music wasn't enough, their live show took the band to a whole new level in our eyes. With a high energy stage presence, glam rock style and electronic flare it's possible this band might be music's best kept secret at the moment. However, that won't last long... SPREAD THE WORD - VIVA CITY ROCKS!



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The Hounds Below - 12.10.09

The Hounds Below
Beat Kitchen (Chicago, IL)
photography: Jade Amey

Recognize The Hounds Below lead man? He is also the front man for the Detroit rock outfit, the Von Bondies. Are they just as good? Oh yes, of course. I wouldn't say this band is as energetic and electrifying live as the Von Bondies are, but that's really not a bad thing. I'm sure not a lot of people would know this from listening to the Von Bondies, but if you happen to see a Hounds Below show, I bet the first comparison for Jason Stollsteimer's voice will be Roy Orbison. Not only is there a very clear presence of Orbison in his voice, but there is also a distinct presence of early rock 'n' roll in the music with a tinge of a jumpy blues-folk-soul mix. However you want to describe it, 'it' is good. And they even win without a drummer (which was the case at this Chicago show). Besides this band being so damn great live, it also shows how versatile of a musician Stollsteimer can be. I have a feeling this won't be a short lived project, so keep your eye on this band.







MySpace

The Sights - 12.10.09

The Sights
Beat Kitchen (Chicago, IL)
photography: Jade Amey

Before I get to the photos, I would just like to say that if I had to pick a band for a "Most Exciting Comeback" for 2009, it would definitely be The Sights. After taking a bit of a break from touring and recording, front Sights man Eddie Baranek reformed The Sights into a new band, but they kick just as much ass as before (on stage and on record).

This was the second time I saw The Sights this year; the first was in Grand Rapids, MI in November. After seeing that Michigan show, I jumped at the chance to see them when I found out they were playing in Chicago. Now, I'm all about Michigan music (well known fact) but I honestly didn't get in to this band until late this past summer. I've known of them since 2005 but never listened to them despite all of the recommendations people had given me. It wasn't until this Chicago show that I had started to kick myself for not listening to them almost five years ago . . . seeing them play at Beat Kitchen made me think of all the times I could have seen them when I lived in Michigan and how great they were back then, too (the band has albums dating back to 1999). It was a pretty energetic set despite it being cold and icky outside; concert-goers were still arriving as their set progressed. Though the band that played was in its newest form, with the only original member being Baranek, the rest of the band flew through the old tunes like champs; as if they had been in the band since its conception and then some. The newer songs were in top form, as well. I had bought the band's new 12" Silver and Gold after their set and later that night I was chatting with the band's drummer about it (he goes by the name Skip). He was telling me that he hopes people really like The Sights' new songs because its not quite like the old stuff. He's right. Its not so much the sound of the bands past. The new songs have a bit more to it - definitely a lot of soul and more emphasis on the vocals in the songs - but when one hears the songs, they still have an air of the sound that the band is known for: straight up 'in your face' garage rock.

You will be seeing more and more of The Sights in 2010 with a few shows already set in stone and a new LP, entitled Most of What Follows Is True, to be released within the next year. And now, on to the photos!



MySpace | Official Site

Whetherman - The Great Lull

Whetherman
The Great Lull
(Adorable Records)
By: Naimah Holmes

Nicholas Williams is a one man band; he handles everything from vocals and guitar, to the lute. His sound is soulful and reflective. The opening track "Sundial Sunset" recalls afternoons at the beach with old friends. In "Following To Catch Up" Williams reminds himself ( Don’t let it mark your heart It’s just love catching up to the good parts) and thus allowing himself to feel and not turn away from a situation that will in the end make him a stronger person. "My Window" is a lesson in heartbreak and moving on he sings (This is it But I guess I knew since Everyone told me and later Do what you do So long as it doesn’t hurt you.) "A Writer" is the strongest track on the record, finding Williams at his most vulnerable. His voice strong, lyrics truthful, and guitar playing delicate. "The Army Hymn" is another standout track. This particular track includes a bit of a string arrangement that in no way overshadows, but, compliments the light backing vocals. The Great Lull is gentle yet so strong in its tone.

Williams has crafted great songs, his lyrics build stories. His music creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. He’s found a way to make his work relatable and genuine in a world where all you need is a computer and microphone to make music stand out. Whetherman is an unsigned artist and his sophomore release The Great Lull is available via Adorable Records

Adorable Records | Myspace

OUT TODAY: The Hard Lessons - Arms Forest

There are many, many things that I love about my home state (Michigan). For instance, I like sitting on the beloved Swinging Bridge in my hometown or swinging on the swings at the Lexington Harbor with my homies during the wee hours of the morning. I also love that my mom will make me Gołąbki even when it’s the middle of July and 90+ degrees. Though I enjoy these things a lot when I come back to visit, my FAVORITE thing about Michigan is the music that comes out of Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other Southern Michigan cities...

Enter: the Hard Lessons.

Their latest album, Arms Forest, was released today and I honestly couldn’t wait for this day to come. Not because I didn’t have the album – but because I think this album deserves to be heard by as many people as possible. Yes, folks, it’s that good. Most of the songs from the album are already on my “Top 25 Most Played” playlist on iTunes. Obsessed? Oh yes. There’s no shame in admitting it, either.

To celebrate the release of Arms Forest, the Hard Lessons (consisting of Augie and Korin Visocchi on guitar/vox and keyboard/vox, respectively, and Ryan Vee on drums) played three homecoming shows: two in Hamtramck, MI and one in Detroit (Photos soon!). I attended all of them and I dragged my friends with me and these shows converted my friends into Hard Lessons fans. They decided that after much deliberation (in this article, “deliberation” means listening to Arms Forest after the Detroit show for hours, for hours, for hours...), Arms Forest is the best album they have heard this year thus far. I hadn’t thought about that yet, but I have to agree.

Every song on this album has something different about it. “Roma Termini” has a little bit of a techno thing going on, “Wedding Ring” is such a beautifully composed song, “Manoogian Zoo” has the verse “So welcome to the Detroit Zoo...“ in the song, which gives me a warm, fuzzy, nostalgic feeling for some reason. Of course, you will have some typical, Augie–and–Korin–will–kick–your–face–in songs, such as “Sound the Silent Alarm” and the title track, “Arms Forest”. After hearing the latter mentioned songs (or seeing them live), you’ll understand why “kick-your-face-in” songs are a very good thing.

This article is probably getting a little bit too long, but I can go on for days about the album and how incredible it is. Not just the songs, either, but the concept of Arms Forest and what that means, and the album artwork and how pretty the vinyl is... However, I think it’s best if you just go and buy the album right now. However, if you want me to talk your ear off about Arms Forest, you know where to find me. Maybe. ~ Jade Amey

MySpace | Official Site

Agent Ribbons - Your Love Is the Smallest Doll

Agent Ribbons
Your Love Is the Smallest Doll
Acuarela Records
Reviewed By: Jade Amey

I don’t remember exactly how I came across this band. I usually keep tabs on stuff like that, but I can’t think of how the Sacramento based band Agent Ribbons entered my realm for the life of me. I saw them in Chicago back in February at Quencher’s, but I liked them way before that. I guess it’s somewhat of a mystery.

Your Love is the Smallest Doll is the second 7” vinyl release for Agent Ribbons. The band consists of Natalie Gordon on guitar and lead vocals, Lauren Hess on drums/accordion and Naomi Cherie on violin and cello. The band’s first full length release, On Time Travel and Romance, is minimal with mostly only guitar and drums that is much in the style of the White Stripes. Your Love Is the Smallest Doll kind of steps away from the minimalist style into a more instrumentally focused release.

The 7” starts with 'the Artist', that has a haunting and eerie, psychedelic instrumentation and will leave you wondering what material the artist uses as the instrumentation intensifies at the end. This leads right into 'Bird in the Mirror', which is a track much different from the foremost. It’s a lot lighter and wispier, and it almost has a Sgt. Pepper’s-esque vibe that stems from the violins and the beautiful singing of all the ladies of the band. 'Your Love Is the Smallest Doll' is the quirky, circus-esque title track. The song holds a steady beat of military style drumming while being accompanied with an accordion that will give you the sense of 1920s or 1930s tune that really picks up at the end with all the girls in the band, once again, singing all together and declaring that “Your love is the smallest doll/and that will never do/because my doll eats them all”. It’s like a mature Disney song; when Disney was good, that is. You know, Snow White and Alice in Wonderland - that Disney. Overall, I find myself listening to this release quite a bit. Natalie’s voice through out this whole set of songs is so perfect and powerful at times that her voice will make you drop whatever you’re doing and listen to what she has to say.

I definitely recommend you purchase this 7” vinyl when it is released in July.
Your Love Is the Smallest Doll blew me away when I first listened to it. Though it only consists of three songs, you’ll want to keep this one on your record player for a while before you switch it.

MySpace

OUT TODAY: New York Dolls - Cause I Sez So

I couldn't have been more excited for this release with the New York Dolls being part of my trio of all-time favorite artists, so as the doors opened at Amoeba this morning I was there waiting anxiously to pick up this disc. Cause I Sez So is once again produced by Todd Rundgren who produced the Dolls first album in 1973. The album starts off strong, clocks in just under 42 minutes and includes a re-recorded/rearranged version of "Trash". Why they felt the need to redo this track is far beyond me and I definitely could've done without hearing this version, ever. I mean seriously, a Caribbean-inspired Buster Poindexter-esque redo of their classic proto-punk hit? Oy!

However, with "Trash" aside, the album actually rocks and the production is reminiscent of their 70s recordings. Pick it up today or catch them up on the road near you soon!

MySpace | Official Site

Amy Kuney - Birds Eye View

Amy Kuney
Birds Eye View
(Spinmove Records)
Reviewed By: Naimah Holmes

The opening track of Amy Kuney's Birds Eye View, "Simple Things," sets the tone of the record as whimsical, lighthearted, and full of heart, a reminder that "It's the simple things that make us feel at home." At times it sounds as if every song is meant to stand alone. Each is strong lyrically and Kuney’s voice is full and just as lush as her music. The general theme of Birds Eye View is that of love, whether it's being lost in "Would You Miss Me," gained in "Thank You For Last Night," or being dissected in "Love is Trippy." What is lacking in fluidity and alignment Kuney more than makes up for with her skill in arrangements. Kuney's got a knack for blending piano, acoustic guitar, horns, strings, and backing vocals as this album proves.

Birds Eye View is a sparkling debut from a gifted singer whose YouTube videos caught the eye of Damien Rice this past summer. Soon after, Kuney had gotten herself a roundtrip ticket to open for Rice for a string of shows in Iceland.

MySpace | YouTube

Hell on Heels Tour - Philadelphia, PA

Hell On Heels Tour
Semi Precious Weapons / Nico Vega / Von Iva
@ The Khyber
Philadelphia, PA
February 2, 2009
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

"Don't Light Them! Light Me! I'm the one who spent 60 minutes making my face fucking flawless!" spat the Seberg-esque platinum, from the stage of the Khyber, as stagehands frantically scurried to fix the lighting situation. Decked out in lycra and patent leather stilettos, Semi Precious Weapons' front-thang, Justin Tranter clearly knows just how fucking fabulous he really is. With Miss Guy spending more time on the turntables than onstage and Theo Kogan displaying herself in more designer ads than punk rock dives, Mr. Tranter has taken the crown as Brooklyn's #1 blonde bombshell. This February Tranter brought his garage glam outfit to Philly for the most explosive display of glittering grime since the passing of Mr. Thunders. (read more)

SPW MySpace | Nico Vega MySpace | Von Iva MySpace

Psychic TV/PTV3 - Mr. Alien Brain Vs. the Skinwalkers

Psychic TV/PTV3
Mr. Alien Brain Vs. the Skinwalkers
(Sweet Nothing/Cargo Records)
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

The latest release from Psychic TV/PTV3 is an erotically morbid pastiche of Industrial Psychedelica and GlamCore – something along the lines of …Trail of Dead as a tribute to Bowie. The album is a culmination of all the sounds that Genesis Breyer P-Orridge has indulged in in recent years, from the hiply simplistic to the darkly avant-garde. "Papal Breakdance" is a glittering of phat beats, "Pickles and Jam" is the daunting and beautiful sound of Apocalyptic hopelessness, and "I Love You, I Know" is the sweetly mechanical love song of a musical documentarian. Even P-Orridge's irritatingly predictable covers can't produce scoffing: Syd Barrett's "No Good Trying" remains surprisingly traditional and Velvet Underground rarity "Foggy Notion" is even more sonically satisfying than the original. The album's highlight, however, is Michael Gira's mix of "New York Story," a NYC devotional as aesthetically astonishing as those of Mr. Reed himself. On Mr. Alien Brain P-Orridge finds a sound that is both radically listenable and perfectly pretentious – possibly something that only someone with thorough exposure to both Aleister Crowley's The Book of the Law and the Toilet Boys' debut could fully appreciate.

MySpace | Official Site

Coconut Records - Davy

Coconut Records
Davy
(Young Baby Records)
Reviewed By: Jade Amey

If you love Jason Schwartzman as much as I do, then I’m sure you were eager to get your hands on his sophomore album earlier this week. Recording under the alias Coconut Records, Schwartzman’s second solo effort, Davy, is just as good as his first, Nighttiming.

Davy is reminiscent of a Sgt. Pepper’s . . . era album, complete with horns and the sounds of an orchestra warming up, distinctly heard in the track “Drummer.” Little piano numbers such as “Any Fun” can take you back to this Beatles album as well, yet, the song “Courtyard” can remind someone of an Elliott Smith tune with the soft acoustic guitar only the lyrics aren’t as depressing.

Aside from the comparisons, another reason why you should like this album is because it keeps you interested, especially after the first few all-the-way-through listens (not on shuffle, either!). Most songs on this album consist of neat endings, be it Schwartzman yelling and jamming, or little tunes; “I Am Young” and “Is This Sound Okay?” are good examples of this. This system that Schwartzman worked out with his songs is refreshing; you don’t hear many albums that do this anymore.

2009 will be a great year for music. Davy is a prime example of this. Lets keep this trend up, my musically-inclined friends!

MySpace | Official Site

Mariah Carey - The Ballads

Mariah Carey
The Ballads
(Columbia)
Reviewed By: Chelsea Schwartz

Finally a Mariah Carey collection that takes you back to the days when Mariah ruled, especially for those of us who grew up going to Bar & Bat Mitzvah's where all the best slow dance songs came from the lovely and talented songstress. And if you're anything like me, you never bothered to pick up a Mariah Carey album while growing up because you couldn't decide which one to buy first! Well brothers and sisters, the solution has finally appeared with the release of The Ballads. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

Von Iva - Girls on Film

Von Iva
Girls On Film
(INgrooves)
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

Until recently there was thought that there's to be little to be found in the soul of a punk aside from safety pins and dated zines. But with the evolution of bands like the Gossip and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs into acts fit for mainstream consumption, the world of music has found a lush and dance-able electro soulfulness in select punk divas. San Francisco's Von Iva epitomizes this pastiche of sounds with a sincerity and authenticity previously unknown.

The sound of Girls on Film, Von Iva's third release, can only be described as mirror balls shattering under Chuck Taylors. "Livin for It" and "Electricity" are fit to be anthems for rainbow-flavored dance clubs around the world, "Guise" combines the attitude of Max's Kansas City with the musicality of Studio 54, and "Birds of Prey" is the sound of a brassy and sassy brand of feminist eroticism. Von Iva are the perfect example of the kind of girls who are not only elegantly and fashionably out of your league, but who could also beat your ass on and off the dance floor without breaking a sweat or devaluing their designer kicks.

MySpace | Official Site

Darker My Love - Live @ Johnny Brenda's

Darker My Love
@ Johnny Brenda's
Philadelphia, PA
December 4, 2008
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

Although their latest album, 2, is surprisingly accessible, beards are far from the only fuzziness left of Neo Psychedelic Shoegazers Darker My Love. They may have recently returned from a jaunt with Indie Pop faves the Dandy Warhols, where they appeared as bourgeoning rock stars in the vain of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club circa 2002, but their recent headlining tour returns them to coyly rocking clubs with violent hails of feedback and pleasantly pretentious musicality generally reserved for godlike geniuses of the Lower East Side. Their five-minute looping video of "trippy" footage of deep and mysterious things like fish and teeth was more than a little trite. And many of those who filled the venue were getting a little too into it in an I'm-rocking-out-in-khakis kind of way. And, when you really thought about it, you knew you could never justifiably describe the experience as a modern equivalent to "rockin' with the Velvet's at the Factory in '67." But when the lights went down and you were hit with those screaming waves of hipster psychedelia, you really fuckin' wanted to.

MySpace | Official Site

Paramount Styles - Live at The Khyber

Paramount Styles
@ The Khyber
Philadelphia, PA
October 12, 2008
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

When Girls Against Boys' Scott McCloud found himself at Philadelphia's Khyber, promoting his latest project, Paramount Styles, he found himself looking at an audience of a little more than a half-dozen, comprised of music journalists, probable record store owners, and others who realize that Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby is as important as Siamese Dream. Random, roaring waves of sound crashed into the set from those watching the Phillies game in the next room and in-between songs the Hip-Pop being spun upstairs seeped through the floor. Apparently Post-Noise Minimalism isn't exactly in vogue. (read more)

MySpace

Your Best Friend - Your Best Friend

Your Best Friend
Your Best Friend
(Unsigned)
Reviewed By: Naimah Holmes

There are very few bands that can sell over 1000 copies of a self-titled self-released album within the first three months of its release, but Your Best Friend just happens to be one of those bands. With a sound that is both traditionally and progressively rock, YBF will keep you on your toes. Their music is a refreshing new twist on what others have been trying to accomplish for quite some time. The difference being that their aggression and straightforward manner isn't muddled with unnecessary effects or strained vocals. YBF are John Bonham [(guitar, keyboard, vocals) -- no, not that John Bonham], Dale Brown (bass, vocals), Steve Sochanek (guitar, vocals), and Nick Edler (drums, vocals). Their arrangements are controlled, their vocals have a great exchange in style, and lyrics are straightforward, hiding nothing. Their sound is organic and their influences can be heard throughout the album. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

The Ettes - Look At Life Again Soon

The Ettes
Look at Life Again Soon
(Take Root Records)
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

With The Strokes and The Vines out of the spotlight, it's finally safe to go back to the garage. Joining the ranks of the Gore Gore Girls and the Charms, The Ettes' second full-length, Look at Life Again Soon, brings sounds until-recently thought to be relegated to Herschell Gordon Lewis films and only the most pretentious record store clerks. The Ettes manage to blend authentic 60's Garage Rock with a modern audible chicness that could underscore any downtown, underground psychedelic dance party or the edgiest uptown runway show. In under 28 minutes vocalist Lindsay "Coco" Hames spits through 11 tales of teenage lust gone awry. Simplistically pissy chorus-driven tracks like "I Get Mine" and "Pay Up" sound like The Gossip as produced by Phil Spector while "You Can't Do That To Me" and "Girls Are Mad" have them sounding like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on a cocktail of nitrous and amphetamines.

MySpace | Official Site