All posts by j. walkos

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Watchlist vol. 2: The Love Language (MP3)

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In 2009, The Love Language released their brilliant self-titled debut. It went largely overlooked.

I take some pleasure in loving an under-appreciated band — a secret treasure that you don’t want to share, for fear that its meaning might be taken away from you. They’re bands that teeter on the edge of obscurity, armed with great songs that beg to be heard, and for at least a little while, they’re yours alone. But you know that the day will come when everyone gets wise and flocks to them too.

And there’s nothing you can do about it.

On the other hand, how can these bands get their deserved adoration if I keep them to myself? Continue reading →

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Review: Bear In Heaven; January 16th, 2010; Brillobox, Pittsburgh

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The Bear In Heaven show at Brillobox sold out far in advance.

Granted, Brillobox isn’t exactly Madison Square Garden, but selling out the show was an undeniable feat for this Brooklyn band whose fan base has only slowly grown for the past few years.

Earning Pitchfork’s coveted Best New Music tag didn’t hurt, and Bear In Heaven certainly deserve the award. Their newest album, Beast Rest Forth Mouth, pulsates from song to song, and when it veers into ambient electronic territory, it can sound quite brooding. Going into the show, I felt a sense of great promise, and their brand of electro-psychedelic kraut rock is music to my ears.

At the Brillobox, I soon discovered the full breadth of their ability: Bear In Heaven—in addition to sounding great on record—can also create a sonic landscape that totally surrounds the show-goer. Continue reading →

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The Morning Benders Make ‘Promises’ You Can Keep (MP3)

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If youthful exuberance were a baseball bat and pitch perfect pop songs were candy, The Morning Benders would be a ruptured piñata. The Berkeley, California natives are gearing up for a big 2010 that includes a new LP—Big Echo, out on March 9th through Rough Trade—and a headlining tour in support of the album.

On March 26th, they’ll be joined by opening act Miniature Tigers for an evening of indie pop goodness at San Diego’s dearly beloved Casbah. If you haven’t had a chance to hear The Morning Benders, we just so happen to have a fresh MP3 download for their new single, “Promises”. View the complete list of tour dates after the jump. Continue reading →

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Watchlist vol. 1: Surfer Blood

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Only a few days into the new year, and already so many albums to play. Here at O&B, we’re constantly on the prowl for new bands to love, and there certainly is no shortage of candidates.

That’s why we’re starting the O&B Watchlist, a semi-regular feature that allows you to sit back, relax, and continue to listen to the old standbys while we do the legwork and put the new guys to the test.

Now, the bands we feature may not necessarily be the brandest of new or the buzzingest of buzz bands. But the bands we choose for Watchlist will be ones that we dig: plain and simple.

After the jump, the first installment of the Owl and Bear Watchlist. Continue reading →

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Besnard Lakes Release ‘Albatross’ From its Cage (MP3)

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As promised, we bring you the brand new single from The Besnard Lakes‘ forthcoming Are The Roaring Night LP. Picking up right where their first album, Are The Dark Horse, left off, “Albatross” is a sonic assault on the senses that combines epic drone with Beach Boyish melodies.

The band have a string of shows lined up in North America for April and will also be wowing audiences at this year’s SXSW in March. The new album will be released March 9th in the US and March 8th in the UK through Jagjaguwar records. Download “Albatross” (MP3) and check out the tour dates after the jump. Continue reading →