“Blitzen Trapper” are a six-piece indie rock band based in Portland, Oregon. They are Eric Earley (Vocals and Guitar), Erik Menteer (Guitar and Keyboard/Piano), Brian Adrian Koch (Drums and Vocals), Michael VanPelt (Bass), Drew Laughery (Keyboards/Piano) and Marty Marquis (Guitars, Keyboard and Vocals). Blitzen Trapper was formed in year 2000 and to date, they have released four full length albums. Their music genres are mainly experimental, indie rock, and folk rock.
I really had a good time with Furr. Blitzen Trapper just made themselves sound so unique. Think of modern country combined with rock ‘n’ roll, i bet you’ll have a good time. And a little bit of cowboy influence.
Furr opened with the rather unforgettable “Sleepytime In The Western World”. This song doesn’t really have a chorus, the only thing that made it so special is Eric’s singing and the music that follows through, especially the piano and the percussions. “Your eyelids are made of lead, you can’t keep them up, because it’s sleepytime, and that’s no crime in the western world…” Blitzen Trapper already showed what they’re capable of. (more…)
“Franz Ferdinand” are a four-piece Scottish indie rock band hailed from Glasgow, Scotland. They are frontman Alex Kapranos (Vocals and Guitar), Nick McCarthy (Guitar, Keyboards and Backing Vocals), Bob Hardy (Bass) and Paul Thomson (Drums). Their music genres include indie rock, post-punk revival and dance rock. Franz Ferdinand derived their name from historical figure Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Franz Ferdinand are back after a four-year wait. With their third full-length Tonight, i would say this album is worth the wait! They’re back with broader musical scope, they’re experimenting music and they’re having fun! Franz Ferdinand is back to rock us!
Delicious Tonight kicks off with the ever sexy “Ulysses”. Alex’s voice is sexy in a steady pace. The opening drum beats is very catchy, you would fall in love with this track once the music starts. Franz Ferdinand started off taking little steps with Alex’s improved vocals. I have never heard Alex singing in such way, Ulysses is sexy and sweaty. The music itself has shown Franz Ferdinand’s desire to add in some new aspects into their sound. “Come on let’s get high, come on let’s get high…” Franz Ferdinand has got to be the sexiest band on the dance floor! (more…)
“Andrew Keese & The Associates” are a four-piece indie band from Melbourne, Australia. Their musical genre are mostly indie folk rock, piano rock and indie pop/rock. Currently the four members of Andrew Keese & The Associates are Andrew Keese himself (Vocal, Guitar, Piano, Hammond Organ & Rhodes), Sunny Leunig (Guitar), Phil Smith Major (Bass & Backing Vocal) and Andrew Cowie (Drums & Percussion). Andrew Keese & The Associates have this talent of writing great and meaningful lyrics. Even if you just look at their lyrics, you would know the song would come out great. In contrast, if you just listen to their songs, sometimes it’s hard to figure out what they’re trying to express. But after looking at the lyrics, you’d would be amazed at the story told throughout the song. Sometimes, i keep thinking that they’re the Australian Okkervil River or even Ben Folds.
Desire by Andrew Keese & The Associates is best listen to through earphones. The reason? Most tracks here are best enjoyed when you’re alone or in somewhere quiet. If you’re looking forward to spend your weekend away alone, try give Desire a spin.
Desire welcomes us in a slow emotional instrumental starter, “Mercy”. It is pure piano-playing in different keys throughout this track. It’s like Andrew is trying to tell us a story with each different note. I can’t help but keep thinking that this would be the prelude for any performances and concerts. Just imagine it, Mercy would be a great intro in front of thousands of crowds. (more…)
The Courteeners are an 4-piece indie rock band hailed from Manchester, England in 2006 by Liam Fray (Guitar/Vocals), Michael Campbell (Drums/Backing Vocals), Daniel Conan Moores (Guitar), and Mark Cuppello (Bass). All four were raised from the Middleton area of Greater Manchester and have know each other since they were 10 years old. They even attended Cardinal Langley RC High School together in Middleton. Morrissey (from The Smiths) mentioned his love for The Courteeners on numerous plays and occasions, “Every song was very strong and full of hooks and full of dynamics and i thought, ‘this is great” and that “So many groups in England, they’re hyped and they’re huge and they’re all over the press and they don’t really actually have any songs, they don’t really have anything to offer… but it’s different with The Courteeners, they actually do have very good, strong songs.” Pretty impressive, aren’t they? 
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“Snow Patrol” are a five-piece Irish/Scottish indie/alternative rock band from Dundee. Snow Patrol were formed way back in 1994 and currently the band consists of Gary Lightbody (Vocals and Guitar), Nathan Connolly (Guitar and Backing Vocals), Paul Wilson (Bass), Jonny Quinn (Drums) and Tom Simpson (Keyboards). Snow Patrol were originally known as in indie rock band but have moved to a more alternative rock and power pop sound.
A Hundred Million Suns opens with “If There’s A Rocket Tie Me To It”. It starts off in the distance with the help of synthesizers and gradually sounds louder and gets into the track when the correct momentum hits on. When the guitar comes on, it sounds really good before Gary comes on with his trademark husky yet soft vocals. As Gary sings, the background music carries on and hit a high when Gary goes, “A fire a fire, you can only take what you can carry… A pulse your pulse, it’s the only thing I can remember…” Snow Patrol also gear up the tempo in this part. The remaining 1 minute, If There’s A Rocket Tie Me To It just gets louder and Snow Patrol add some background howls as Gary sings to the end… Great appetizer here… (more…)
