Purpose

Each week I will provide info on an independent music act who I believe deserves a listen by music lovers all over the web. Bands I have either met/seen live or acts I have discovered as a result of my late night myspace habit will be featured. Occasionally a CD review may creep into the blog, as mainstream artists put out the latest of their libraries of riffs and melodies for the world to hear. So please lend your ears and take five minutes out of your week to listen to talent individuals who sleep, eat, and breathe what they do. You may even discover a new favorite underground band...

Live, Love, Sing.

-Matt

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Broken Bells


With recent clutter of an already crazy schedule, my posts have definitely not been weekly, most likely from now on these posts will be Bi or sometimes tri weekly. Mostly because there has not been an outstanding artist that I feel needs to be brought to your attention but this week I have found a perfect artist.

I sit here listening to a somewhat familiar sounding tracks of a new band that has formed from one of the greatest indie bands. Keeping the classic sound of The Shins, Broken Bells debut self titled album blows away new 2010 releases I have heard to date. I really cannot stress enough the musical genius that flows through this compilation of songs.I was turned on to James Mercer's new band by a recently acquired friend from way out west in Sechelt BC when he sent me the link to "The High Road" video. All he had to say was James Mercer's new band and I found myself immediately going to the video and listening over and over taking in all the groovy electro riffs and stellar use of so many instruments that are used throughout. All got better as they released their album about 5 days ago and decided to listen to it over and over for a night. Impending out of that lengthy listening session I came to a few influential conclusions. With keeping a very tight sound to The Shins, this record mixes in a wicked electronic element. To me, Broken Bells blends sounds of Postal Service, Cut Copy, Keane and Wilco into 10 inspiring songs. On my list of favorite songs off this record is "The High Road", "Vaporize", and the most intriguing song, "The Ghost Inside".

The Duo is about to play at the SXSW showcase in Austin Texas, but do not have any other shows booked after this weekend. Hopefully this band will pack their winter jackets and head to Canada soon for a tour.

Myspace is http://www.myspace.com/brokenbells

Preview their album on ITunes, you will not be disappointed and your $9.99 will be worth hours of mind blowing listening.
Live, Love, Sing