Posts Tagged ‘Indie Rock’

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Here’s a nice cover to make your Friday even better! BTB Fav’s and pop-darlings Passion Pit have covered Smashing Pumpkins 90’s ballad Tonight, Tonight, and let’s just say, they smashed it. Two totally different groups vibing over a wonderful jam. The cover is a part to Levi’s Pioneer Sessions Series, which aims is to share songs that have influenced today’s artists, who rework the original as their own. Pretty breezy concept, don’cha think?

Passion Pit frontman, Michael Angelakos, has a thing for unexpected covers, and we’re glad he stumbled upon this one. I think his high voice gets the message of the beautiful song across. It’s completely reconstructed from top to bottom, so be prepared if you’re not into change.

This may make some die-hard Smashing Pumpkin fans sick, but we’re always willing to take a chance. Not here to observe or critique it, just to enjoy it. What do ya’ll think of Passion Pit’s cover?

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I was recently given some good advice from a friend that music views should be balanced, and expressed equally. Although I try to keep a positive vibe, let’s be real, there’s tons of shit I’m disappointed with, as I am sure others out in BTB land are too! So I’m taking his advice, and keepin’ it fresh. I’m not here to bash the group, because Minus The Bear are one of my favorite acts, but the new album, Omni, left me minus the liking. The boys from Seattle are not known as mainstream, and I dig the whole starting anew thing, but not when you have so much natural, raw talent. A wise man once said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

I would love if any of the BTB readers were fans of the group, to please leave this album up for discussion, for maybe I am missing something here. I love all of their work so something just doesn’t seem right. This hurts; I am not your usual “pop is shit” shouter, because I respect musicians in different ways, and what they do. But Omni just feels so insincere, leaving out gritty drama, almost seeming as if they have lost something. The music is less stimulating than normal and generally boring (maybe that’s because I mastered the air drum to their prior release, Acoustics). I’m not saying we should be provided with a carbon copy for all of their work, and I’m sure plenty of forgettable indie bands are going to continue churning out the same music year after year, it’s just sometimes hard for fans who are well established into a group to jump on board so quickly. On the other hand, the band clearly put a lot of thought into the album trying to make something fresh and new for their fans, so I can’t hate on that. I suppose it’s bitter sweet; maybe losing some loyals to gain some newbies.

What do you think? Is my only disappointment coming from my gut knowing how much better the band can be? Not as much guitar, but more electronic and poppy? I feel like I am being introduced to a new group; taking out the musicianship and adding a bunch of mainstream twang.

For the record, I’m still a huge fan. Maybe some of you don’t even know who Minus The Bear is, but I strongly suggest checking out their musical library, and express your opinion. Let’s have a discussion, minus the claws.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Let me provide you with a band that needs to be reintroduced: Hot Hot Heat. New album, Future Breeds, proves the band is back with a vengeance. Be forewarned, however; these guys are not for everyone. But if you do like to give different genres a chance, then I’m pretty sure that you’ll sweat from the heat.

It’s been awhile since the boys have released some jams, but the wait was well worth it. This record has strayed form conventional pop, and made a trip back to the roots of what made the group great; volatile music. One of Canada’s leading alternative rock bands have yet to achieve much in the way of chart success, but most good music does not. They make wild sounds, labeling their songs with extreme names, and their music is new wave dance-punk indie rock post-punk revival.

Future Breeds is the sound of a band that is completely free of restraint, as Hot Hot Heat offers fresh track after fresh track and never lets a square song structure get in their way. Each song is so damn catchy, especially Implosionatic and Times A Thousand. The record offers an audacious and refreshing collection of tracks that spotlight the band’s unique sound and particular talent of creating radiantly blemished music.

If you’re in a blah mood, their music will change all that. If you’re standing still, this will force you to move. If you’re not used to stepping out of the box on your playlist, this will certainly mix that up. Opt for a change! After all, it’s summertime and we all are bound to get burned from the Hot Hot Heat.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I love the energy coming out indie rock right now. It has this rebellion thing that hip-hop is missing now, the thing that made hip-hop hip-hop.”

-Jay-Z / Rolling Stone [June 2010]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I would not want to piss off Sting’s daughter. Girl’s got some serious steam in those eyes! I Blame Coco (AKA Sting’s amazingly talented offspring) is out with her new single Self Machine (available July 12th via Island Records). The single showcases a bit of the taste of her forthcoming debut album, The Constant.

Self Machine is dingy electro pop at its finest, backed with an incredible music video. The video is shot in a vacant swimming pool with a creepy chic vibe that’s all its own. The video was directed by Alex Smith via Warp Films, the man behind Coldplay’s Yellow and Manic Street Preacher’s Empty Souls. Although the aesthetic of the video is subdued, the song itself definitely has summertime color.

Says Coco: “This is our new video for Self Machine. We shot it in an abandoned college in Oxfordshire. It was a great day of filming. Enjoy.”

Check it out!

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Back in Black; The Black Keys new album Brothers has surpassed any other album I have bought this year. Yes I have praised many magic music makers here on BTB, and thus far, this takes the gold. Don’t get me wrong, there is no scarcity of bluesy rock records out these days, and I didn’t think I needed to dart out to seize another one, until now. With two other classic albums over the last decade, the Black Keys have inaudibly exposed themselves to be an exceedingly consistent band, and the maturation of the Black Keys as record makers and performers has been both delicate and staggering. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, you’ve done it again.

The dirty beat and rickety falsetto of icebreaker Everlasting Light is so opposed to the typical that it almost seems intended to scare fans away. Bad news that Brothers is poles apart from the rest of The Black Keys library? No, no sir. Musicians must evolve, and this is an evolution. After all, when a key is inserted into the appropriate lock, the lock can be rotated. A disc packed with stripped down, raw, heavy riffs. Haven’t heard of these guys? Don’t fret, you can catch up now.

The entire album was produced by the duo, except one stand out track by Danger Mouse (who co-produced the boys album Attack and Release) titled Tighten Up; arguably the strongest track on the album, for Mouse is a musical whiz kid. The hip organ-sprinkled tempo-shifting beat will have you hooked (“Someone said true love was dead, but I’m bound to fall for you,”). Someone else also said true music was dead, but you’re bound to fall for The Black Keys.

Brothers is outstanding, consistently strong stuff, though this one feels a bit tamer, with more of an R&B influence, which could pull in fans from all directions. Upon listening to The Black Keys, it may be rough to grasp that they are purely a duo. Their character and musicianship yields a sound larger than some mega bands. Boys devoted to their sound, yet still carry on redefining themselves, exploring many shades of blues.

Unlock your normal mainstream taste, and grab a key.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ready for some good music? Good. Let’s begin.

When I read the release date, the only rational response was to become ecstatic over the next album from one of the best bands of the decade, The National. The Brookyln based indie-rock outfit are back with a new smash album, High Violet. It’s a demoralized, harmonious, volatile and beautiful set of songs that find the band at the peak of their collaborative powers. The music is widespread in its moods, full of drab angles and impression.

Opening is the furry folk of Terrible Love. This song hits me, the way a good song should (”It’s a terrible love and I’m walking with spiders. I was carried to Ohio in a swarm of bees,”). Life situations become the basis of lyrics, as here, where it seems personal demons have taken on literal forms. Like most of the songs on this album, the title illustrates this idea perfectly. One of the most influential parts of the band is Matt Beringer. In my opinion, he holds one of the utmost voices on the planet; raw talent that could belt out the dictionary or the cocktail menu at a piano bar, and it would still sell. Their influences range from Bruce Springsteen to Joy Division; this sentence alone should be enough to intrigue you.

The National definitely pulls the plug on any arena rock desire, and that’s why I find them so stimulating. They have the potential to sell out arenas, yet choose pack halls, wall to wall instead. Primitive glum never sounded this good. They will take you to the dark side of the High Violet. It’s hard finding fault with this album, and I’d like to test one to do so. Like the band that created it, it’s an album that’s built to last.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Meshing the funk of blues, soul and old school rock from the sixties and early seventies, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals stick out like a sore thumb. I recently stumbled upon this music video for Tiny Light and instantly fell in love. The video is beautifully shot, gorgeous in a raw epic setting with a vintage feel to the lens.

And man! Just wait until you reach the 2:48 mark, the note Grace hits is OOC (out of control)! Girl’s got made pipes, I’m talking Aguilera level. And what a surprise that was–the video at first, same as the song, takes on a more mellow soulful vibe but the last two minutes are nothing but chaotic rock n’ roll, Janis Joplin reincarnated with a flare all their own.

The art direction, the song, the cinematography, it’s all on point and it’s all working pure magic for this band, which you must check out!

Check out the beautifully shot video for Tiny Light, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Galloping into major label territory for the first time, Band of Horses is back. Single NW Apt. off of the May release Infinite Arms is dope. Simply dope. In the battle of the beards that runs rife through indie/alt rock, Band of Horses are concrete contenders sporting some serious facial fuzz. And behind the scruff lies lyrical madness.

Upon preview of the new album, I was totally in the zone. Tracks on Infinite Arms are fire; in my opinion, the group’s most focused and forceful recordings to date. Banding together for the spotlight, all members make priceless offerings to the distinctive sound that lead singer, Ben Bridwell, has crafted since the band’s inauguration. Songs such as Older and Compliments show the band’s extensive growth. Aside from the amazing music, the best part of the album is that it seems to get better with each listen. You pick out more things, more concealed instruments and sounds. It is a marvelously rendered jewel, one of the few that will most likely be enjoyed by EVERYONE I know. If you are a fan of first-class music, you owe it to yourself to get this album.

May 18th is the day to get stampeded by the horses. Take a few hits and really let it sink in, for you will find it’s gleaming, layered, and smartass emo-pop fully ready for saturation. On tour this spring with the- oh-so-amazing Pearl Jam, this tour will be one for the books. After all, riding horses is not a gentle hobby to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion, a Band of Horses.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

MGMT has no desire whatsoever to be pop stars.

The New York duo (Andrew VanWyngarden & Ben Martin Goldwasser) was approached to tour with a number of super famous acts, but they immediately turned down the offers saying: “We’ve recently been offered support slots with a ton of big bands. Really huge, enormous, big bands – Like Lady Gaga and U2 and Coldplay and Foo Fighters,” said Andrew, “and we turned them all down. We really didn’t want to do any of that.”

Call MGMT pretentious for not wanting to support mainstream acts but I respect their decision. In a world where pop stars are viewed as products (hell, even Lady GaGa who claims to be about the “art”, released a nearly 10 minute video earlier this year with nothing but product endorsements slayed across the screen), the boys of MGMT view their music as something a bit more personal than simply a tool to earn buckets of money.

It’s now more clear than ever, that MGMT is about the art of music and not the product, which often pigeonholes singers and bands into boxes with little to no control over a vast majority of the creative process.

MGMT band mate Ben also feels that their music has been “blown out of proportion by everybody”. Contact Music quotes him as saying: “We don’t feel like pop stars, we feel like a rock band. We don’t want to play arenas. It’s not our mission.”

“I think on some level it is a reaction to the success of the first one. I mean, of course we were happy and felt lucky that stuff happened, but it wasn’t really what we were shooting for.”

MGMT’s Congratulations was released on April 13th.

Check out the interview with MGMT, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s the most wonderful time of the year; summer is almost upon us, and it’s time for a serious jam session. Boy meets girl, boy and girl make magic. One of my favorite duo’s, Matt & Kim, will get those car windows down and speakers up. Good Ol’ Fashioned Nightmare will take you down the “side streets of life”. It’s about accepting the fine and terrible in people and in life, something we all deal with everyday of our existence. While their upbeat dance-pop is fresh, their ethic is straight outta’ the early ’80s, and it’s totally attractive; legwarmers and headbands welcome. I’m sure you have all seen the masterpiece of nakedness for Daylight, but trust me, Matt & Kim are more than hard bodies.

Two people with only drums and keyboards; the sound is minimalistic, but the higher level of production fills out the sound in a positive way. The lyrics don’t make too much sense upon first listening, but that’s part of the charm: “The skyline looks brighter tonight, let’s go smash out every light”. The beat will make you want to do just that, but please kids, don’t try this at home. Smack in the face sing-alongs that roll off your tongue whether you want them to or not.

Add Brooklyn’s darlings Matt & Kim to your summer playlist, and dance the night away. Although the album has been on the shelves for a little while, find a new track and bang the shit out of it. Their insistent, invigorating sound will leave you wanting more.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Upon writing, I try to focus my energy on artists and their originality, but every once in a while copy-cat syndrome can be a juicy thing. This is the “go-green” age, so why not recycle a song by spinning it in a way that’s modern?

Big ups to Florence + The Machine for this charming rendition of the Robert Palmer classic Addicted to Love. Although a fan of Florence and her posse’s personal work, I can’t get this off of repeat. Normally if I heard this song on the radio, I’d most likely turn the dial; in this case, only thing to turn is the volume, higher.

Her voice is a machine, and although some may find the original hit a bit trite, this new rendition is epic, and improved drastically. Sometimes cover songs tend to catch a bad rap; even when our beloved artists record one, we usually last about two or three listens before ready to discover something original.

Florence + The Machine will definitely benefit from borrowing this material, for it showcases a completely new range and style. Hell, might as well face it: I’m addicted to it.

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s truly a glory when you find a band that is not only fronted by exceptional musicians and awesome music, but when that music is empowered by a genuine connection to the human spirit. The human spirit is as gorgeous as it is complicated, and the same could be said for the up and coming, deliriously rad band, a’tris.

Not familiar? Then do yourself a treat by tuning in. Saying that they’re a straight-laced indie rock wouldn’t do the band justice, as the music is far too smooth and elaborate to be typecasted. Listening to a’tris is like a fleeting but nourishing experience, like being struck with some special moment that only lasts for a few seconds, but changes the colour of everything around you. The strong, crooning vocals are a splice of audio magic, matching well with the raw skill found in the instrumental accompaniments.

Each member of the band forms a piece of the musical puzzle, individually contributing to the cornucopia of strange splendor. a’tris has a deep, moody vibe, accentuated by the uniqueness of their voices and the fabulous underbeat thrumming through them all.

Their most recent album, Lensing, released in 2008, is full of professional potential. All of their songs, particularly ones such as Light and Shadows or Automatic Doors, create a sense of eerie wonderment, as if the music is literally peeling back a part of your mind that you didn’t know existed. It seems that there is nothing entirely definable about it, and that is what makes it such a treasure to listen to. There is something really special about a song or an album when you can make it your own.

The explorative edge doesn’t stop with their music; even their name continues on the same trek of interpretive philosophy. As Nate Lueck, (who plays both guitar and bass for the group), puts it, “People often ask what our name means–remember 10 years ago when the word Google didn’t really mean anything? Now, it’s a noun, a verb, a concept, a tool…that’s the intent of our name; a word to which people assign their own meaning, with no right or wrong interpretation.”

This band realizes that in both life and music, the only way to truly be free is if you let yourself look at the world from every angle, no matter how strange or impossible it may seem. The only way to be completely happy is to know your insides through and through, and to accept that those insides will be constantly changing, like how water is constantly moving. It seems they really live by this, and it’s clear in their music. Nate goes on to say, “I think people are so used to being told what is popular or ‘right’ according to the current style, and we really want to break that habit, to get people to be more critical about how they think and what they listen to.”

Obviously, these fellas aren’t driving with their eyes closed; they are committed to knowing, learning, and guiding others to do the same. Pair that with their outstanding talent and piercing sound, and what do you have to lose?

Go on, give in to the awesome.

Automatic Doors from AirPlay Direct on Vimeo.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Finally someone who speaks the damn truth!

In a new interview with NME, M.I.A. had some very colorful words to say about the Lady.

Do we still need record labels?

Are they even interested in making money from music anymore? Lady Gaga plugs 15 things in her new video. Dude, she even plugs a burger! That’s probably how they’re making money right now – buying up the burger joint, putting the burger in a music video and making loads of burger money.

Do you think those programmes and the internet have destroyed the mythology around popstars?

I don’t know. Again, there’s Lady Gaga – people say we’re similar, that we both mix all these things in the pot and spit them out differently, but she spits it out exactly the same! None of her music’s reflective of how weird she wants to be or thinks she is. She models herself on Grace Jones and Madonna, but the music sounds like 20-year-old Ibiza music, you know? She’s not progressive, but she’s a good mimic. She sounds more like me than I fucking do! That’s a talent and she’s got a great team behind her, but she’s the industry’s last stab at making itself important – saying, ‘You need our money behind you, the endorsements, the stadiums’ Respect to her, she’s keeping a hundred thousand people in work, but my belief is: Do It Yourself.

How important are image and visuals to your music?

Very. But it’s not like “Haus of Gaga” (laughs). Me blindfolded with naked men feeding me apples and shit.

Would you ever make a record for a Twilight soundtrack?

They asked me. Luckily Jimmy [Iovine, chairmen of M.I.A.’s US label Interscope] had beef with the Twilight people, so he stepped in and told them to fuck off.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Let me tell ya’ bout a crew I know, they love hip hop and rock and roll; Citizen Cope, government name, Clarence Greenwood (and co.), whose 5th release, The Rainwater LP, showcases a title of “musical mythologists”. The tracks aren’t about bullshit, but about real life, and situations we all encounter. Lifeline seems to sum Cope’s poison and its antidote stating “If you come looking for a hard time, hard times ain’t hard to find”; sad, eccentric, and exceedingly listenable.

What’s so good? Using sluggish hip-hop beats with mellow piano melodies; the music then blends into new-school blues with smooth as butter pop. He fights the battle to stay pure, and that is why they are respected lyrically. I was surprised to hear they passed up a major record label and decided to launch independently for this record. I Couldn’t Explain Why pours a meticulous explanation for the bold move; “The message that I have been given, could have us drown, in the river, still I gotta deliver it”. Even without a stamp, their message will always get delivered.

Dodging the big bucks for an independent release; that’s something us indie buffs commend, correct? Hey, maybe more major-label denizens should consider busting off their chains and going the indie route…zing.

Be sure to throw Citizen Cope into your indie shuffle, and don’t be surprised if you put the beat on repeat.