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Soundbyte: Gang Gang Dance- Saint Dymphna |
Gang Gang Dance
Saint Dymphna
Social Registry
Release Date: 10/21/08
Brooklyn’s Gang Gang Dance – an outfit known for mesmerizing free-form sonic escapades in previous albums – attempts a condensed and more accessible sound on their fourth album, Saint Dymphna. Sometimes they succeed, producing tunes listenable to those not captivated by avant garde ramblings (“Desert Storm”). For the most part though, only the most dedicated electronica or acid house junkies will squeeze enjoyment (or understanding) out of GGD’s latest work. To the casual music fan, Saint Dymphna is a sorry and antagonizing Yeasayer copycat.
-Michael Schmitt
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Soundbyte: Gregory and the Hawk- Moenie and Kitchi |
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Gregory and the Hawk
Moenie and Kitchi
Available Now
Fat Cat Records
While the configuration of Gregory and the Hawk has varied over time, its nucleus, better known as Meredith Godreau, is the essential driving force behind GatH's gentle hum. Godreau's ethereal voice punctuates each song with luminous texture and balance. Their newest release, Moenie and Kitchi, is a collection of songs overflowing with powerful whispers and thoughtful lyricism. Godreau's sound is a compelling combination of the best parts of indie music with underlying similarities to everything from Azure Ray to Death Cab for Cutie. Despite that familiarity, Moenie and Kitchi remains matchless in its quiet beauty.
-- Brigitte B. Zabak
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Soundbyte: The Howlies- Trippin' with the Howlies |
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Howlies
Trippin' with Howlies
Available January 2009
OverUnder Records
Where does one go to find down and dirty garage rock with understated traces of indie rock? Look no further than Atlanta's own Howlies. Their debut album Trippin' with Howlies is a fun showcase of songs that range from fast and catchy to mellow and bluesy. The band doesn’t seem to take themselves too seriously, but the music is definitely worth some play time on your iPod. Songs like “Aluminum Baseball Bat”, despite the jovial lyrics, have a danceable, '50s car-hop feel to them. Trippin’ with Howlies has a sound that fits as easily into indie rock and roll as it could have fit alongside the likes of Chuck Berry or The Ramones.
-- Brigitte B. Zabak
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Soundbyte: Wallpaper- On the Chewing Gum Ground |
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Wallpaper
On the Chewing Gum Ground
K Records
Available Now
Wallpaper delivers simplistic sock-hop surf-pop with On the Chewing Gum Ground. This Auburn, Washington trio harkens back to '50s rock without much immediacy or desire, and the result is in the vein of The Black Lips but without the humor or oddity. The disinterested vocals recall Gordon Gano or a very tired Joey Ramone, but the slowed playing doesn’t remind one of either the Femmes or The Ramones. There are ear-catching flashes of experimentation on “Vertigo Jane” and tempo changes on “This is the Chase”, and Wallpaper manage to namedrop The Beatles and Elvis in multiple songs. As a whole, however, they may know the standard heroes, but maybe it’s time to expand the record collection. -Shawn P. Donohue |
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Soundbyte: Times New Viking- Stay Awake |
Times New Viking
Stay Awake (EP)
Matador
Available Now
Sometimes noise can be so good. On Stay Awake, lo-fi noisemakers Times New Viking produce five tracks of racket soaked in dissonant, drunken sing-along vocals and manic punk rock fury. The Midwestern threesome doesn’t attempt any new territory, but the bombastic romps—“Pagan Eyes” and “Sick & Tyred” in particular—are way too fun for that to matter. With no track reaching beyond the three-minute mark, by the close of Stay Awake you may not know what just happened, but you’ll be pretty sure it rocked.
Natalie B. David
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Soundbyte: Desolation Wilderness- White Light Strobing |
Desolation Wilderness
White Light Strobing
K Records
Available now
If every old photo album carried a music chip, Desolation Wilderness would play at the turn of each page. Hailing from Olympia, Wash., Nicolaas Zwart is the brain behind Desolation Wilderness, and, with the help of a few friends, he created a record that reflects the lush scenery of his city. The sound is somewhere between The Album Leaf’s ambience and Beach House’s timelessness. With heavy use of reverb, Zwart’s faint vocals travel through the instrumentation, which includes guitar, vibraphone, synthesizer and glockenspiel, in search of light. White Light Strobing is like a faded memory that resurfaces a warm, happy feeling.
-Karla Hernández
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