Grant Manship

A Glimpse of Fol Chen's Debut

The newest member of the Asthmatic Kitty family is Los Angeles band Fol Chen.  I could try and describe what they sound like but why bother when the band does it in far better fashion than I could.  Here is what the members of Fol Chen have to say about themselves:

You know that mysterious black object that the creepy family is staring at on the cover of Led Zeppelin's "Presence" album? Fol Chen sound like that. But we don't sound like Led Zeppelin. (We actually do a little.) Instead, we sound like Prince with Amon Duul II and a children's religious revival, not to mention Hot Chip, Pink Floyd, Gwen Stefani, Pere Ubu, Danielson Famile, Scritti Politti, Boards of Canada, The Blow, and Pulp. (Mostly.) We are using secret powers and the guidance of legendary DJ Donna Donna to combat our nemesis, John Shade. We are cryptic and joyful and we would like you to dance.

How's that for a description?  Certainly cryptic and all over the board musically.  Never a bad combination in my book.  I'm definitely interested to hear the rest of the album, that's for sure.  Here is a picture of the Presence album cover in case you need a refresher while trying to figure out that introductory bit.  As to whether they sound like that mysterious object and the bands mentioned, you can judge for yourself below. 

• Fol Chen - "Cable TV" from Part 1: John Shade, Your Fortune's Made

New MP3 from The Fireman

First we were blessed with new material from David Byrne and Brian Eno on Everything That Happens Will Happen Today.  Now we have the first new music from The Fireman in 10 years and this time the album will feature vocals!  In case you're unaware of who The Fireman are it's Paul McCartney and Killing Joke bassist Youth.  The album is called Electric Arguments and consists of thirteen tracks recorded in thirteen days over the period of nearly a year.  The duo spent one day writing and recording per song and the results are much different than their previous ambient material.  You can check out the first single off Electric Arguments below.  Rumor has it that the song is a diss track aimed at Sir Paul's ex-wife, whatever her name was.

• The Fireman - "Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight" from Electric Arguments

New Songs from Empire Of The Sun

Empire Of The Sun has already unleashed the most infectious track of the year with "Walking On A Dream" and now they're giving us a glimpse into what the rest of their debut album sounds like.  Head over to their MySpace page to hear five new tracks along with "Walking On A Dream" now! 

Can anyone say, Swordfish Hotkiss Nite?  The song sounds like Hot Chip, Timbaland and Lil Wayne blended and poured through an Empire Of The Sun filter.  That results in an incredibly good thing in case you were wondering.  "Standing On The Shore" would have to be another standout after a quick first listen.  From the sound of it, this might end up being a whole record of standouts.

On a final note, I've included the video for "Walking On A Dream" again because really, there isn't any reason why you shouldn't watch it again.

UPDATE - Since I posted this about last night 4 more songs have popped up on the bands MySpace page. There are now 8 tracks from the upcoming album besides "Walking On A Dream" available for your listening pleasure.  Add "Tiger By My Side" and "Delta Bay" to the tracks I'm digging.

Dreaming of Monotonix

There isn't another band I'd rather see live right now than Monotonix.  Ever since they landed on my radar I've wondered exactly how to post about them.  I say that because I don't think there is anything I could say to come close to doing the band justice.  From the photos, videos and descriptions from friends who have seen one of their shows, a performance from Monotonix sounds like one of the craziest things I will ever witness.  Instead of writing or reading about them it seems like they epitomize the saying, "seeing is believing." 

As far as who they are, Monotonix are a trio of Israeli garage rockers quickly becoming known for their live shows and the absolute chaos that mars them.   I mean, they got shut down by the security at this year's Bumbershoot Festival after only a few songs!  If that seems a little tame how about this?  At a show in Knoxville, one overzealous fan grabbed the band’s bottle of lighter fluid (used to set the cymbals on fire of course!?!) and proceeded to light himself on fire.  The lead singer was quick to employ the Monotonix Stop, Drop, and Roll method by pouring a beer on him to extinguish the blaze.  Hopefully the irony of that show taking place at a club called The Pilot Light isn't lost on any of you.

Regardless of how I may attempt to describe the band prior to actually witnessing one of their shows, I think it's safe to say there isn't a more exciting live act touring right now.  That's why I'm going to see them as soon as I can.  In the meantime, here are a couple videos that seem to do a pretty good job of documenting the experience one can expect while at a Monotonix concert.  Also, be sure to grab a copy of their incendiary (I watched Almost Famous last night) debut EP from Drag City called Body Language.

MidPoint Music Festival - Day 2 Preview

I had prior commitments that kept me from getting too into Day 1 of MidPoint but now I'm free enjoy the remainder of the festivities!  With that being said, I thought I'd briefly highlight a few of the artists I'm most excited to see tonight.  They are as follows:

Say Hi - 10:00 PM - Aronoff 5/3 Theater

Eric Elbogen, who is Say Hi, currently resides in Seattle, WA.  After relocating to Seattle, Elbogen wrote he most recent record The Wishes And The Glitch at his home studio during most of last year.  While it was mostly Eric doing his thing alone, John Roderick of The Long Winters and David Bazan from Pedro The Lion/Headphones also lent their voices on a couple of tracks for The Wishes.  Say Hi's music is full of keyboards blips, skittering drums and bass along with plenty of catchy vocal melodies.  Needless to say, it's great stuff.

• Say Hi - "Northwestern Girls" from The Wishes And The Glitch

A.A. Bondy - 11:00 PM - Know Theatre Main Stage

AA Bondy (a.k.a. Scott Bondy) used to play with Verbena prior to stepping out on his own.  Following the dissolution of the band, Bondy moved to the Catskills and was about to leave music behind.  That was until the creative juices began to flow once again and he started recording the songs that would make up American Hearts.

The record bring about thoughts of Harry Nilsson or Harvest-era Neil Young.  Sounds like the perfect set to balance the electronic vibe of Say Hi.

• A.A. Bondy - "There's A Reason" from American Hearts

Buffalo Killers - 12:00 AM - Lodge Bar

I plan on rounding out my night by catching Cincinnati's very own Buffalo Killers.  I've been a big fan of the band's psychedelic southern rock after seeing them open for their buddies The Black Crowes a year or so ago.  Their latest album Let It Ride is a perfect representation of the aforementioned genre.  The following song sounds like the music I imagine would come from the genetically engineered love child of David Bowie and Joe Walsh.  The vocals really remind me of Joe Walsh which is great since he's the only Eagle whose solo material can make me forget how much I hate the Eagles.

• Buffalo Killers - "If I Get Myself Anywhere" from Let It Ride

Passion Pit

I've been feeling a little uninspired when it comes to writing about the stuff that's come across my desk for the last week or so.  There is some good stuff but nothing that's really struck me and left me wanting to hear more.  It's only fitting that a group called Passion Pit would make me a little more passionate about getting my blog on.  I should have known a little electropop would cure whatever was ailing me!

As their bio states, Passion Pit is the brainchild of Michael Angelakos and their recent EP Chunk of Change was born out his need for a Valentine's Day gift for his special lady friend.  It then made its way into the hands of friends and fellow students at Emerson College. At some point along the way Frenchkiss Records got a hold of it and is now reissuing the EP next week with two bonus tracks called “Better Things” and “Sleepyhead”.  A full length debut is in the works for sometime early next year.  You can check out "Sleepyhead" off the EP below.

• Passion Pit - "Sleepyhead" from Chunk of Change

New MP3 from School of Seven Bells

If you missed my prior mention of School of Seven Bells or are unfamiliar with the group, they are Ben Curtis (formerly of the Secret Machines) and twin sisters, Alejandra Deheza and Claudia Deheza who previously were a part of On!Air!Library!.

When I first heard a track from the band, I believe it was "Chains", I think I remember feeling as if it was the Secret Machines but with an obvious feminine touch.  Now that I've heard their new album Alpinisms in its entirety I realize that such a generalization couldn't be further from the truth.  While there are small elements of Ben's prior gig that show up now and then, School of Seven Bells is an entirely different animal.  The Secret Machines sometimes strike me as being somewhat formulaic.  I don't mean that in a bad way, it's a very complex formula but a formula nonetheless.  What strikes me about School of Seven Bells is the range of feelings and/or emotions that come out of the record.  Maybe it's the dichotomy between the male/female aspects of the band and the perspectives each camp brings to the music.  Maybe it's just the excitement of the new creative outlet the members have found that comes through.  Regardless of what it is, it works for me.  Whether it's a track like "White Elephant Coat" and it's Dead Souls-inspired bass line or the very danceable "Connjur", I'd say there is plenty here for everyone.

Finally, to Ben in regards to his new bandmates.  Well played sir!!!  Your new bandmates are exponentially more easy on the eyes than your former ones.  At least for the heterosexual male portion of your fanbase that is.  No offense to Brandon or Josh but come on!  I think I might have a new crush or two in the world of indie music.  Now that I've said that, let's return to what is really important and also less likely to get me in trouble with my girlfriend.  Here is a track from Alpinisms, due out October 28th, for your listening pleasure.

• School of Seven Bells - "Connjur" from Alpinisms

New MP3 from The Secret Machines

It's been over 2 years since The Secret Machines released Ten Silver Drops and after losing one of their founding members, we're finally going to get a glimpse into what they've been working on since then.  I've been curious to see how things will sound after the departure of one-half of the Curtis brothers, and founding member, Benjamin Curtis would effect the band.  If you're unaware of Benjamin leaving, he left a little over a year ago to focus on work with his other band School of Seven Bells.  From the sound of the track below, The Secret Machines are going to be just fine.  It's over 8 minutes of classic Secret Machine space rock.

The band is planning on releasing the follow-up to Ten Silver Drops through their own TSM Recordings with the help of World's Fair.  While this track is a non-album b-side you will eventually be able to pick it up on limited edition vinyl later this year.  For those of you who are fans of instant gratification, check it out now down below.  The self-titled Secret Machines is due out on Oct. 14th.

• Secret Machines - "Dreaming of Dreaming" [non-album b-side]

These United States Playing Cincinnati Tomorrow

Our friends over at Each Note Secure are gearing up to present DC psych-folk act These United States tomorrow night at the Gypsy Hut.  The band is touring in anticipation of the release of their new album Crimes due out Sept. 23rd.  You can hear a track from Crimes as well as one from they're excellent debut A Picture Of The Three Of Us At The Gates To The Garden Of Eden below.

If that's not enough to get you off the couch the band will also be supported by not one, but two, great local acts in the Seedy Seeds and Wake the Bear.  So... unless you have something really important going on tomorrow night, I guess I'll see you at the Gypsy Hut.

• These United States - "West Won" from Crimes
• These United States - "The Business" from A Picture Of The Three Of Us At The Gates To The Garden Of Eden

The Walkmen Release You & Me Early for Charity

The Walkmen have decided to release their highly anticipated new album You & Me exclusively through Amie Street as part of the website’s new Download To Make A Difference campaign.  Amie Street is definitely one of the more innovative music sites to emerge in the last couple of years and their Download To Make A Difference campaign is no different. 

The way it works is You & Me will be sold for a period of three weeks, prior to its official release, at the special price of $5. For each album purchased Amie Street will donate $5 to a cause of personal significance to The Walkmen.  Specifically, "All donations go to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in honor of Luca Vasallo, a friend to the band and a current patient who is seven months old and doing a great job fighting a very difficult disease,” said Peter Bauer of The Walkmen. “This is a very good organization that certainly deserves the attention.”

The You & Me exclusive pre-release marks the second major release for the Download To Make A Difference campaign, which gives people the chance to support important causes by downloading new music.  To download You & Me and give $5 to a great cause go to AmieStreet.com/thewalkmen now!  The album is really wonderful and is worth every penny especially when you consider it will go to such a great cause.

• The Walkmen - "In The New Year" from You & Me