Psych/folk singer-guitarist Kurt Vile (yes, that’s his real name) has been enjoying some serious buzz since the October release of Childish Prodigy on Matador Records. We recently had the chance to sit down over a cold beer with Mr. Vile before a packed show in Pittsburgh, the first on a two-month U.S. tour. Here is how the conversation went. Continue reading
We loved The Besnard Lakes‘ 2007 release Are The Dark Horse; the album mixed Beach Boys vocals and haunting atmospherics with periodic sonic bludgeonings thrown in for good measure. Now, after three years away from the spotlight, the husband and wife team of Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas (and their crew) will unleash Are The Roaring Night, which is sure to be another ethereal kick in the teeth.
Recorded at Lasek’s Breakglass Studio on a vintage 1968 Neve germanium mixing console, Are The Roaring Night is sure to further push the envelope of the group’s eerie and epic sound. It will be released on Jagjaguwar March 9 U.S., and March 8 in the U.K. For a taste of their previous effort, check out the excellent track “And You Lied to Me” (MP3). Are The Roaring Night‘s track list is after the jump. Continue reading
Fanfarlo have had a whirlwind year. They’ve played giant festivals and toured Europe, and then headlined in the United States in support of their terrific debut LP, Reservoir.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with multi-instrumentalist Cathy Lucas and drummer Amos Memon before their intimate December 12th performance at the Brillobox in Pittsburgh. In the wide-ranging interview, we talked about David Bowie, burglary, and bladder control. Continue reading
In Iceland, Seabear are famous for crafting gorgeously melodic indie-folk, wrestling away the monopoly on lush atmosphere and gentle acoustics normally held by fellow countrymen Sigur Rós and Björk. The band is currently gearing up for the release of their new album, We Built A Fire, available stateside in early March through Morr Music. They’re also set to play a slew of live dates in Europe, followed by a breakneck five-shows-in-five-days stint at this year’s SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. And, lest we forget our small percentage of non-European, non-Texan readers, here are two new tracks from the aforementioned album. Tour dates after the jump. Continue reading
New Jersey has produced some terrific music in years past. I mean, come on: Frank Sinatra, George Clinton, The Boss, Yo La Tengo, Bon Jovi… Alright, maybe not the Bon Jovi part, though I do freely admit to feeling the urge to sing along whenever “It’s My Life” comes across the airwaves. Don’t judge. But out of all those bands, Yo La Tengo is probably the most similar to Real Estate, and even that comparison is a stretch.
“Beach Comber”, the opening track on Real Estate’s self-titled debut, serves as a perfect introduction to the band’s surprising restraint and easy-go-lucky rhythm. Their music uses a feeling of youthful carelessness not just as a sonic template, but as a common theme that runs throughout the album. Front man Martin Courtney exhibits a thoughtful, sincere singing style, his voice humbly meshing with the hushed, playful tones. Continue reading
