Band of the Weeks: Dirty Skirts

[13-19 Apríl]
Dirty Skirts
Sounds Like: Indie-Pop
Drinking Buddies: Kings of Leon, Bright Light Fever, Interpol
Synopsis: Who says indie pop can't be enjoyed by everyone?
Makes You Want To...: sing; go on a roadtrip, read fiction.
[Myspace]



This month, Voilà! is covering foreign bands!
One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Dirty Skirts.


I admit, I found an anomaly in this year's grouping of foreign bands. I'm reviewing four different ones, of course. But as it seems, three of the four are anglophonic! How strange, eh?; I search out for some great choices in foreign music, and only one speaks a different language but English. But who says that's necessarily a bad thing? Maybe that further shows the blending of our international cultures. Maybe that shows exactly how closely we're moving together as a society in our digitally thriving, Twitter-oriented world. Maybe we... oh what the hell, let's talk music.

And we're talking African music today, my dear reader. No, no, not Esau Mwamwaya - Malawian remix-hip-hop might be on the far end of the spectrum (but amazing nonetheless). And we're not talking the ethnic African tribal music either. We're talking modern; we're talking unique and inspired; we're talking Cape Town, South Africa; we're talking about the Dirty Skirts.

Yeah, that's right - they're called The Dirty Skirts. This South African quartet hails from the southern coasts of the continent, and are all about bringing some serious indie rock. In a very Soft Pack sort of way, the Dirty Skirts present a very steady, progressive style of rock without the additives. Uncomplicated and endearing, with a focus on electric instruments and well written lyrics, the Dirty Skirts bring an African sound without playing off any foreign cliché of how African music should sound. They represent a sound similar to Interpol, a sound begging to get more attention.

The Dirty Skirts are world travelers, that's for certain. They have a respectable fanbase in the UK, and are quickly building one in the United States with promotion as well as performances at certain musical events called South by Southwest. But for now, the Dirty Skirts remains in Africa, entertaining their local lovelies in and around Cape Town. They currently have three albums, including their eponymous release, as well as On a Stellar Bender, and their latest release, Daddy Don't Disco. You can fetch these on emusic, or even on iTunes if you prefer. And of course they have a Myspace! Check out their stuff - may I recommend "Homewrecker?" - and have a wonderful weekend.