It’s hard to capture the imagery behind a band like Chairlift. It’s always just out of sight, both the glimpse of meaning and the meaning behind the words. There are so many little message, tiny metaphors, hidden meanings and cute phrases. But it’s all a wash; Chairlift’s music is uplifting and fun, and it’s injected with a cool — even hip — dose of pop.

Their key-heavy vibes and typically female-fronted vocals are perfect for their laid back, oft mellow tunes. Songs like “Bruises” and “Evident Utensil” may have a carefree pop swagger, but they’re filled with highly infectious hooks. “Bruises” even features Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear.

Athens Soundies recently filmed Chairlift performing a porch-front acoustic version of “Bruises”. Athens Soundies base their one-take music videos off the famed “Take Away Shows” by La Blogotheque.

Chairlift: Bruises [mp3]

Chairlift: Evident Utensil [mp3]

Written by Fense

Chairlift (MySpace) is an 80s-influenced synth-pop trio from Brooklyn and their eerily dark pop will surely take the states by storm when they release Does You Inspire You, their debut LP, on Kanine Records this fall.

The album is slated to hit October 28, but, for those who want to get an early Chairlift ride can pick up the Evident Utensil 7″ Single. This feature has been in my backlog for some time and it’s a good thing I didn’t post it before now, as there’s some fresh news: the new iPod Nano ad features Chairlift’s “Bruises”. For those curious what the iPod looks like, I’ve embedded the ad below. Cute. Fun. Catchy.

“Evident Utensil” is an odd name for a song; Chairlift creates haunted soundscapes in the song with hook-filled synth riffs. Equally odd are the vocals, opening the song with: The most evident utensil / Is none other than a pencil…

The synth lines are fit for a haunted house, much like those Belaire used on last year’s Exploding, Impacting. But, all oddities aside, the song is super catchy and damn well worth your time. Listen. I dare you.

Chairlift: Evident Utensil [mp3]