When I have weeks like the one I've had, I often award myself a few bucks a night to buy songs on spec from iTunes. In my darkest hours, I have purchased golden classics from Loggins and Messina. Typically, I let the Man running the Genius recommendations take me wherever he'd like. After sifting through recommendations based on my purchase of Taylor Swift (I blame others in my home), I found a real gem. Based on my purchase of My Bloody Valentine, I was navigated to The Joy Formidable. I was blown away. I bought the whole album, and have been swimming in it all night. I will feature them in a formal Band of the Week someday. In the meantime, take a listen. Someone my age has never felt so comfortable "shoegazing".
They feel like a literal incarnation of the fictional "Clash At Demonhead". Charismatic lead singer, a unusually fit bass player, and Zach De La Rocha's second cousin on the drums (not really, but I imagine so).
I regret to inform you that their music has been featured on a Twilight film and the television show "Vampire Diaries". Please try to put these facts out of your mind immediately. Remember, some of Radiohead's best work was featured on Twilight as well. I blame Mormon authors.
Recommended first listens:
- A Heavy Abacus
- Whirring
- The Everchanging Spectrum of a Lie
I feel the true measure of a band is best determined on the stage. The following link is a show they did for YouTube. I pay good money to see them live.
DOESN'T THIS GUY LOOK LIKE JOSHUA HOMME FROM QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE?!?!?
Please don't hate me for sharing this band out of turn. I needed to write something. Excuse this behavioral lapse.
Good stuff, although I'll have to admit I enjoyed their studio performance better...I didn't quite get the shoegaze effect until I listened to their studio tracks. Bands that layer and overdub their tracks just can't replicate that sound live (think Smashing Pumpkins). But I'd accompany you to one of their shows.
ReplyDeleteYeah, not as full as their studio tracks. They have a good review from Pitchfork that sums their sound up pretty well.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CD0QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpitchfork.com%2Freviews%2Falbums%2F15160-the-big-roar%2F&ei=L7IeUcShKI31iQLto4DoDQ&usg=AFQjCNGAJL_FPnyniPJu1wwLAnMievLDPA&sig2=GGIN0ZPtfmsoes72H8f_Tw&bvm=bv.42553238,d.cGE