Typical show previews on FensePost list upcoming shows throughout the Pacific Northwest, often centered around Seattle. But this one is a bit different, as France’s Cocoon is playing two shows in the states, starting this week. Read More »Cocoon [Show Preview]
Alan Singley And The Pants Machine‘s “Le Rain” is a classic case of infectious indie pop. The song clashes to very unique sounds to create a third sound entirely its own. On one end, you have vocal hooks reminiscent of, say, Ben Kweller. Interesting, yes. But surround that sound with the folksy indie pop of artists like Ezra Furman. Marry those two signature sounds and the resulting lovechild could very easily be “Le Rain”. Read More »Alan Singley And The Pants Machine: Le Rain [Track Review]
It’s hard to imagine a band like HEALTH being able to progress in any shape or form. After all, their self-titled debut was without a doubt on the cutting edge of avant garde noise. But listening to “We Are Water”, one gets the distinct impression the band has evolved. Their noise is more refined, channeled more precisely. With it, HEALTH has become borderline accessible to a wider audience; and that’s a good thing. Read More »HEALTH: We Are Water [Track Review]
The folks in Kickball are masters at timing. Their songs include light elements of math rock, but it’s fairly subtle—not as prominent as, say, Battles, but still a viable part of the music found primarily in the slightly minimal but quite pointed guitar riffs and hefty, wild percussion. Even the vocals contain obscure timing on occasion. Just listen to “Fight†and you’ll get my drift. Read More »Kickball [Feature Band]
I can recall the precise moment I discovered Leonard Cohen. It was the early days of the turn of the century and I was going through a phase of listening to morose, emotive music. It was those late adolescent days you have yet to discover who you are; the teenage years were slipping away. It was here I first began listening to artists like Bright Eyes and Hayden. It was the song “Famous Blue Raincoat†performed by the latter that did it for me. Read More »Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man [Film]
Directly upon the heels of two stellar releases, Every Scene Needs A Center by Tullycraft and Daughters And Suns by The Owls, Magic Marker Records treats us to a bit of a surprise. Where the label’s typical release is inundated with pop and twee, Fred Thomas’ Flood can almost be considered experimental folk, or even freak folk. Learning Thomas’ history in pop will help the listener understand this release and its home on Magic Marker. Read More »Fred Thomas: Flood [Album Review]
With “Keys”, Air Waves proves that you don’t need to be technical geniuses to write a great song. “Keys” is quite simplistic, natural pop reminiscent of California beaches and sunny summer afternoons. Oddly enough, this band hails from New York. Basic guitar melodies, unembellished vocals; it’s all pure and easy. But it’s also damn catchy. Tropical to a point, the song is adorned with traces of acoustic power pop. “Keys” is unabashed pop greatness. In a way, it reminds me a bit of early stuff by Somebody Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. Read More »Air Waves: Keys [Track Review]
Over in the eastern region of Nebraska, obscurity has risen and is growing faster than the corn surrounding Omaha. Oberst is God, not Cobain. Saddle Creek, not Sub Pop, infatuates it’s residents. Yes, this the Midwest haven as well as (one of) the birthplace(s) of indie rock (minus King Elliot). And Electric Needle Room‘s Safe, Effective, and Fun embodies some of that eternal spirit from the land locked village full of talent they call home. Read More »Electric Needle Room: Safe, Effective, and Fun [Album Review]
“Back In Town” is an undeniably upbeat pop song, channeling a 60s-era sound. The song will be released on Luck, Wiretree‘s sophomore release. Entirely Wiretree’s own style pop, “Back In Town” has some subtle influences ranging wide and far from Velvet Underground to Wilco and beyond. Powerful guitar strums and an excellent xzylophone ring back passionate, emotive vocals; however melancholy, it’s hard not to get swept up in the catchy notes that keep this song powering forward. Read More »Wiretree: Back In Town [Track Review]
Odd, how progress works. It often leads to the unexpected, but typically something better than that which came before. And so it is with “You’re A Target”, the new single by one of 2007 and 2008’s most hyped bands, No Age. Amidst all the typical noise and raucous intensity, I hear something that was occasionally vacant on last year’s LP, Nouns: I hear harmony. Likewise, I hear vocals that border on decipherable rather than immense shouts masked by enormous guitars and percussion. Read More »No Age: You’re A Target [Track Review]
