Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Unknown Mortal Orchestra needs a new name. After the release of their debut self-titled album in 2011 the band gained an insane amount of attention in the blogosphere — attention that has only increased with the release of their sophomore album II earlier this month. And here I am to further escalate (however insignificant) the attention. 

Frontman Ruban Nielson grew up in New Zealand but relocated to Portland, OR with his former band The Mint Chicks. After the band broke up, Nielson started writing with Portland-based producer/bassist Jake Portrait and drummer Riley Geare.

[the secret is out boys and it's time to embrace your less-than-hipster status]

I would describe their sound as a late 60's abstract rock with thick bass and refined guitar parts —a mix of Tame Impala and the Black Keys. 

(((Help me influence the increasing irrelevance of their name >> take a listen below.)))

Also, take a listen to Nielson's solo acoustic session at Oregon Public Broadcasting:

Deep Time

The framework of human existence has not heard a  sound quite like this experimental pop duo from Austin.

Photo © Kaden Shallat.

Deep Time is the creative production and ever changing personality of singer, guitarist, and organist Jennifer Moore and drummer Adam Jones. Their most recent self-titled album came out this past July on Hardly Art out of Seattle. Every song on the album offers a similarly mesmerizing beat that is almost annoyingly catchy but undeniably delightful.

// this. video. //
     

Kids These Days

my first thought: damn, kids these days are talented. my second: could i still be considered a kid?

Kids These Days is a group out of Chicago compiled of seven very unique talents that lend themselves to a sound that reaches a multi-genre audience. Their sound is a seemingly perfect mix of blues, rock, indie hip-hop, jazz and soul. I shot their set at Bunbury Music Festival this past month and was blown away! This group really has a sound like nothing I've ever heard before.

Metric

Metric is an Canadian indie rock band that formed in Toronto in 1998. Needless to say they have been around the block and back again. Today marks the release of their fifth studio album entitled "Synthetica".

My thoughts? Leader singer Emily Haines continues to write the most intimately metaphorical lyrics that are perfectly placed upon beautiful piano parts. While seemingly flawless in their raw form these songs are all the more addicting in their electronic alternative state that the band sculpts them into.

Watch the music video for the single "Youth Without Youth":

Get More: Metric, Youth Without Youth, Music, More Music Videos

 Also, check out the band's Mahogany Session including songs off their new album:



  

Dry The River

Dry the River is a folk rock band hailing from London. Their music is characteristic of typical folk fashion, with contemplative lyrics and slower tempo tunes only completed by high energy rock breakdowns. I dare you to keep from dancing...

DtR just released their debut album Shallow Beds in the US on April 17th. Be sure to listen to a few tracks below!


    

April Fool's!

Artful English pop rock with the first day of April in mind...

 

The band Blur has been around for a few decades now and in that time they have produced some great songs, one of my favorites is their tune "Fool's Day":

Blur - Fool's Day by Ami Wu

HIGHLIGHTED ARTIST: From Indian Lakes

This past Monday I awoke to find a few strange men sleeping on my Coops living room couch. Turns out they were a group of musicians from California. Their tour manager is long time friends with one of my roommates and they needed a place to crash for a few nights while playing some shows nearby.

This talented group of young men go by From Indian Lakes, hailing from Yosemite Valley, California. Their style could be described as alternative rock full of refreshingly distinctive lyrics and creative change ups.

Besides being incredibly talented and good looking these guys are well-rounded, friendly, and compassionate individuals and I think that is reflected in the music they produce. Take a listen and decide for yourself:



A big thank you to lead singer Joey Vannucchi who took a minute to answer some questions I had for the group:

Q: How did a group of friendly, good looking, talented young gentlemen such as yourselves get together?

A: thank you! I started tracking some demos in the mountains and i needed musicians for shows eventually when it turned into a band situation. I grew up with Justin and Rick and we all played in different bands together so it worked out well. Chris was in a band we did a tour with and when we needed someone he was an obvious choice. Kyle is from Nashville and he came on for this tour.

Q: I love the simplicity of your band name — how did you go about choosing it?

A: originally I had titled the project songs from Indian lakes, but that's much too long for a band name. It's where I was recording songs at the beginning.

Q: How would you describe your genre/style of your music?

A: we are a rock band at heart I think. Sometimes a very quiet one, sometimes louder. Organic as possible.

Q: As I know, you guys are in full-on tour mode: What is your favorite thing about touring?

A: I love playing live. It's my favorite thing to do. Playing to different people every night and having a different experience with each crowd.

Least favorite thing?
A: It can be very unhealthy. When you are taking what you can get and trying not to spend money your food choices can really catch up with you.

Q: What do you want fans to get out of your music?

A: something real and organic. I believe in music as art and I hope ours can stir some emotion in people.

Q: What do you get out of your music?

A: I think it is a way to stay sane for me. I tend to be slightly introverted and awkward. I need some way to get it all out just like anyone else I think.

The Black Keys

Here is The Black Keys newest single "Lonely Boys" off there upcoming album El Camino set to be released on December 6th.

The Black Keys - Lonely Boy by The Black Keys