Piece together a post-shoegaze era dreaminess with the calm of melody-driven pleasantries and the result is the seemingly soft Absense by Citified. The group’s new EP divides the standard loud-versus-soft for a fairly consistent volume level that is so soothing and tranquil, it’s almost easy to overlook the ringing noise that would, in effect, be created were it to be performed live. Every moment, no matter from which song we take that cross-section, fits the description.

Absence finds that comfortable spot, that one with the ability to warrant the subtle and ambient background noise to accompany whatever mundane task may be at hand as well as the crank-it-to-eleven and drown out any emotion that might be plaguing you at this particular instant in time. “Landlocked” may take precedence for its driving percussive beat and more catchy melody than some of the other tracks, but as a whole this EP easily maintains interest. “Dutiful Scout” delves into pop but isn’t a far enough stray from the shoegaze traits to warrant dissatisfaction.

Citified is one of those insatiable bands; you just cannot get enough. In part, it’s their continual deftness at producing never-ending harmony. But when it comes down to it, the duality these songs possess are what gives Absence its intrigue.

Citified: Landlocked [mp3]

Eskimo Kiss Records [CDEP, 2009]

1. Founded
2. Pencil Me In
3. Landlocked
4. Dutiful Scout
5. My Family Cup

Your typical indie pop band features infectious vocal melodies and upbeat instrumentation, the combination of which is undeniably catchy hooks. “Working Title” by The Good Graces fits these pop sensibilities to a ‘T’ but the vocal styling gives the song a unique twist. It’s all in the pronunciation of the words; it gives “Working Title” a country-ish feel that easily sets them apart from both modern and classic indie pop artists.

The Good Graces are poised to release their new EP, Bring On The Tambourines, via Eskimo Kiss Records this fall. More info about the release (and, from the sounds of it, a few more tracks) will be available soon from The Good Graces’ EP website.

Above photo by Maigh Houlihan.

The Good Graces: Working Title [mp3]

North Elementary’s John Harrison has used his bands soft core and playful folk track “Golden Tigers” to illuminate the city of Durham, North Carolina. This a type of video that should be made more often. With images of establishments with strange titles like Food For Supreme Life and Fo Sho Philly Style Clothing, Durham’s blend of urban and hipster settings provides an outlook for what could be a great and less than compromising future.

“Golden Tigers” only represents the essence and natural stimulus of North Elementary. Another track by this prolific group, “Decade Styling” brings out the electricity they proved all over their recent release Not For Everyone, Just For You. But, Harrison’s solo appearance does seem to reflect the entire concept of the band. These guys create melodies laced with inspiring words for an intricate future. This is real solid pop rock music anyone can enjoy.

North Elementary: Golden Tigers [mp3]

North Elementary: Decade Stylin’ [mp3]