Mar 252010
 

“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. Continue reading »

Mar 202010
 

“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! Continue reading »

Mar 162010
 

“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. Continue reading »

Jan 072010
 

“The Pigeon Detectives” are a five-piece indie rock band from Rothwell, Leeds in England. The Pigeon Detectives are Matt Bowman (Vocals), Oliver Main (Guitars and Backing Vocal), Ryan Wilson (Guitar and Backing Vocal), Dave Best (Bass and Backing Vocal) and Jimmy Naylor (Drums and Backing Vocals). Their music genre are mainly alternative rock, indie rock and garage rock revival and they are signed to Leeds based independent record label Dance To The Radio. Their funny band name? Honestly, i don’t think it’s funny, it’s very unique instead. Speaking of it and according to NME, Drummer Jimmi Naylor stated that he has never like the name, but it grew on him and The Pigeon Detectives started to gain attention due to the silly name. He even mentioned that, “It came from an Australian guy who we met at the Leeds Festival.

Emergency by The Pigeon Detectives is a great successor to its predecessor, Wait For Me. For some, it might even sound better than Wait For Me. It’s kind of funny that you find that The Pigeon Detectives are in some ways, a cross between The Futureheads and The Libertines. The Pigeon Detectives have the raw energy of The Futureheads and the killing guitar hooks of The Libertines. Well The Pigeon Detectives are relatively still new, with only Emergency being their second album, but i’m pretty sure they have a steady growth of fans. Continue reading »

Jan 052010
 

“Albert Hammond, Jr.” is an indie pop/rock artist from Los Angeles, California. He plays the guitar and his favourite guitar instruments are Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul. He is also a guitarist of indie rock band, The Strokes. When he’s with The Strokes, he often plays the rhythm guitar. As he ventures into his side project solo career, he still plays the similar musical soundscape as The Strokes, a bit of garage and indie pop rock.

Como Te Llama opens with a very guitar-oriented “Bargain Of A Century”. The beginning few seconds, i can hear the bass as if it’s running on a open field. Once the music catches on, you can hear the banjo beginning to play. When Albert Hammond, Jr. takes the stage, he sings in an energy-less voice. The guitar did a very good job in helping out this track. Well, this is how Albert Hammod, Jr. sings right? Very similar to the style of Julian Casablancas. :-)   Continue reading »