Band of the Week: Apollo 18 (아폴로18)

[April 4 - 10]

Apollo 18 (아폴로18)
Sounds Like: Experimental / Post-Rock / Shoegaze
Terroir: Seoul, Korea
Drinking Buddies: Wax on Radio, And So I Watch You From Afar, Battles

Synopsis: An hybrid of spacey post-rock and rockin' post-hardcore.

Makes You Want To: Rock out; Scream; Gaze.
[Official] / [Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Apollo 18 (아폴로18).


The digital age is a magnificent thing, especially in terms of music. Only thirty, sometimes even twenty years ago, we were extremely limited on what we could hear musically. You were either listening to the local music stations in your town - oftentimes, frankly, which can be quite lacking is quality - which would normally feature the biggest recording artists as selected by the music industry; limited to the bands that came thru your area on tour, trips of which were no doubt rare and less publicized than they are now; and of course, stuck with whatever artists may have been local to your locale, and again, these were oftentimes not the best quality.

However, with the power of computers, the entire planet is our locale, and you have the freedom to experience all manner of different musical tastes and cultural styles. Which is why it's odd that these two music discovery experiences - the old school "analog" style, if you will, and our new digital style - convened for me at the local punk rock venue. For those who don't know, I'm in Fort Worth, Texas, where we are more than fortunate to have the one and only 1919 Hemphill, an communally run music venue centered around punk rock. And it was within those very walls that I was introduced to Apollo 18.

Named after the iconic space exploration vessel, these South Korean rockers bring spacey to a whole new level. Blending their sound calm, post-rock/instrumental sound with heavier hardcore and metal elements, the result is a sound that is perfectly juxtaposed between calmness and chaos. Apollo 18 moves their listeners with quiet, fulfilling guitarwork similar to that of This Will Destroy You or Explosions in the Sky. And in similar fashion, they can build their songs up until they rip apart the speakers with massive walls of sound and wild expulsions of dense musical release.

They aren't instrumental, to be said. But it is also to be said that their singing, while crucial to their songs, is more an instrument than an instrument in itself, rather than a poetic form of expression - the voices that join the powerful gutiars and rhythmic bass are more a contribution to the musical construction than trying to say something in particular, similar to the Vonlenska experimented with by Sigur Rós. However, as I compare these guys to similarly spacey artists in the post-rock world, do not underestimate their ability to lay down some proper rock. Their sound is significantly heavier than most of their peers, as if a rejection of the seemingly structured South Korean society, generating wild, raucous energy all contained and exploited within a concentrated process of musical performance. Their sound weaves between genres, from experimental, to jazzy, to some good ol' fashioned rock 'n roll, and they are definitely a name quickly on the rise, one you'll hopefully be hearing from more as the days go on.

Apollo 18 is only two years old, and brand new to the American coast as far as I'm aware. But they're quickly climbing into the consciences of savvy music listeners around the world. They won the award for "Best Rookie of the Year" at the 2010 Korean Music Awards (2010 한국대중음악상), and have been a major performance at both the Green Plugged Festival in Seoul, as well as one of the biggest festivals in Korea, the Jisan Valley Rock Festival (지산 밸리 록 페스티벌), playing alongside the likes of major international acts such as Pet Shop Boys, Mutemath, Vampire Weekend, Belle & Sebastian, and Muse.

From what I can understand, the show I got to catch here in Fort Worth, Texas was the last Apollo 18 had booked for their first tour on American shores, which had them roaming all across Texas and around the south, culminating in a tonne of awesome shows down in South by Southwest. Assumably, the trio returned to Korea to relax and recover. Apollo has three albums under the belt already: Blue Album, Red Album, and Violet Album. They were also selling some strange album - which I have - that has NO name beyond the band's and no info beyond their contact information. So I'm nicknaming it the Black Album, and it's filled a compilation of all their different releases.

Apollo 18 has their official site, both in Korean and English, as well as a Myspace, where you can get quite a bit of a preview into their music. They have quite a number of live videos posted around the net so you can experience their live performances for yourself. And of course, you can snag all their awesome albums from their online store or via iTunes for digital download. Enjoy their wicked sound, and have an awesome week, readers!

Band of the Week: Eliza Doolittle

[March 28 - April 3]

Eliza Doolittle
Sounds Like: Pop
Terroir: London, England
Drinking Buddies: Kate Nash, Lily Allen, Lenka

Synopsis: The long-lasting bubblegum pop with a delectable taste.

Makes You Want To: Skip down the street; Sing + Dance; Walk in the park.
[Personal Blog] / [Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Eliza Doolittle.


It's been awhile, readers! But Voilà! is sort of back in action. If you're new to this little game we play, it is weekly tradition to feature a wicked musician every week. Or at least try to. Just something that's been bubbly bouncing out of the speakers into our lives; something that we feel is worth sharing with the masses of eager ears begging for some delicious tuneage.

And are we ever returning to the music scene with a delicious piece of candy. Meet Eliza Doolittle. That would be Eliza Caird if you know her personality. But her My Fair Lady-inspired pseudonym has been the one to springboard this delightful, curly-haired darling into some fairly significant international spotlight.

Let's get things straight: Eliza Doolittle isn't your prototypical pop artist. Okay, maybe she's super stylish, has a delectable voice, and is absolutely stunning. But c'mon, let's put the fundamentals of this lovely lady aside and get to the fundamentals of her sing-song. Her band got their feet on the musical ground back in 2009 with the release of Eliza's self-titled, debut EP. Not only did this EP flare up like oil in a fire, it caught the eyes and ears of listeners and major talents across the UK and beyond. Her first songs got several remixes made of them, including one by the likes of The XX.

This helped to propel Eliza along to her first album, equally self-titled, and equally infectious. Her musical style is unfathomably bubbly and fun-loving, light with a sense of jubilance, and a voice reminiscent of Kate Nash. Pair this with a proper band of lads to accompany her, a quick wit, and a flirty sense of lyricism, and you have a road well paved for some excellent hits that will have nearly any listener cooing over her her quirk.

Eliza's quick success has placed her as a shining star quickly rising in the sky over the UK. Her singles "Skinny Genes" and "Pack Up" both have scored her numerous honours, and both got their own nifty music videos. Tonnes of media outlets have picked up on her rising fame, on aiding in making her rise further exponential. Her success even landed her a number of gigs at SXSW 2011, which I was fortunate to attend, meaning her sound is only expected to expand across the seas. And why shouldn't it? Her viral success is the best sort of ailment you can receive, giving you symptoms of random public singing and dancing. You'll want to catch yourself a bit of Eliza Doolittle.

After her stay in the Texas capital, and a brief stint here and there whilst on tour, Eliza Doolittle and her gang of misfits have returned to the UK. She'll be touring throughout Great Britain, bouncing around from several gigs and festivals. Eliza Doolittle's eponymous debut has been out for awhile now, and is finally reaching American and international audiences through regular music outlets. Or, of course, you could snag some music from iTunes. There are tonnes of videos and remixes of her songs. Whoever the dancer is in "Pack Up" is FANTASTIC, the paper-cutout version of "Skinny Genes" is too fun to watch, and I'm a particular fan of her latest single, "Mr Medicine." Check them all out! Or, if you're just curious about what Eliza and co. is up to, wander over to her personal blog and check it out for yourself. In the meantime, I recommend this nifty acoustic, rooftop performance. And until next time, peace out!

Band of the Week: Nobuo Uematsu

[February 8-14]

Nobuo Uematsu
Sounds Like: Classical / Piano / Orchestral Composition / Progressive Rock
Drinking Buddies: The Black Mages, The Final Fantasy Series, Square-Enix

Synopsis: Video game compositions have never been so cool.

Makes You Want To...: Dream; Play video games; Learn piano.
[Square-Enix Music] / [Official Site] / [Black Mages fanpage]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Nobuo Uematsu.


Most people think music these days always has to be hip and trendy; that it has to be on the hottest TV shows, plastered all across the internet, smeared all over the radio or MTV; even if the bands are independent and lesser known, most contemporary music is assumed to follow a certain formula: get a Myspace > make music > release albums > party. But in truth, music can't be clichéd, and can never follow any sort of formula. In truth, music is created in many different ways. And just because the source may be unexpected doesn't make it any less exquisitely done.

Nobuo Uematsu is a prime example of music defying conventions in music making, and does so with the sort of panache that makes his peers and rivals fill with jealous and envy upon the execution of every single note. Uematsu is a pianist. He was self taught, and the beginning of his career sprung up due to his sister, thereafter him applying his homegrown pianist skills and brand new keyboard in some amateur bands and for some commercials. But the reason his name is one that should be respected highly among professional musicians is the part of his musical career that made him famous. Nobuo Uematsu gained his fame after being hired by the video game company Squaresoft (presently Square-Enix), where he was one of the chief composers of many of their video games - including their most monumental, successful entertainment release - the Final Fantasy series.

Most folks out of the loop know Final Fantasy as Owen Pallett, he formed his moniker after the successful game franchise. But from the game that inspired him, arose the talent of Nobuo Uematsu. After the series' success and expansion, Final Fantasy has quickly become one of the largest successes in video gaming history. Final Fantasy VII has been arguably labeled one of the best video games of all time, and as the series preps for its release of their latest title, Final Fantasy XIII, Square-Enix can humbly thank the talents of Nobuo Uematsu, who provided the musical workings for titles I - XI, as he has been building his reputation as an esteemed composer since 1985.

Some folks who play video games may take the music for granted, while in fact, the music of any video game is possibly one of the most integral parts. Music sets the mood, and it sets the pace, just as in movies. If you watch an action movie, the chase scene would be pretty boring without an awesome soundtrack backing it up; the same for video games. Someone is always behind the helm of these games, and Final Fantasy has been enjoying the reign of Nobuo Uematsu now for almost three decades. Uematsu composes almost all the music for the Final Fantasy series, among other games, which is a lofty task indeed, requiring talent and skill that is unrivaled by musicians. Dabbling in all sorts of moods - from soft piano tunes to epic, all-out orchestral performances - and experimenting in many forms of genres - from classical music to heavy metal - Nobuo Uematsu has seen it all, and is a master at his art.

Beyond his work with video games, he also enjoys remastering his own music, constantly returning to it, revamping it, and bringing it back to life in new, beautiful ways. He co-founded the band, The Black Mages, a rock/metal band that takes his compositions, and transcribes them from classical and orchestral works into heavy hitting rock songs. And while Uematsu contributes to many of the Final Fantasy original soundtracks, he also returns to his music for solo piano performances - just him, his piano, and his music - solitary, emotional, and captivating works of a true artist. All of Uematsu's music is beautiful, all different, as he constantly innovates. Songs of love, songs of pain, songs of anger; songs of war, songs of strife, songs of celebration; Nobuo has done it all time and time again, and while his music is predominately instrumental, it is no less powerful in its ability to tug on your heartstrings - to make you feel what you're intended to feel. Uematsu's music is simply unrivaled, in whatever form it takes.

Presently, Nobuo Uematsu is working on three projects: 10 Stories (which I think is a Japanese anime), Fantasy Life (a game for the Nintendo DS), and is composing the entire original score for Final Fantasy XIV, which will be his first major contribution for the series since Final Fantasy XI. If you want to hear Uematsu's music in its intended form - as video game compositions - you'll need to score yourself many of the very lovely titles he has contributed in, a list which is quite extensive. But if you're interested in strictly the music, you'll be glad to know that Uematsu's discography is EXTENSIVE, in ways that I could never explain. Between all the original soundtracks for all the games he has done, as well as the three albums released by The Black Mages, I sincerely and earnestly recommend to everyone reading all of the piano performances for the video games. They're some of the most beautiful music I have ever owned, and you will not regret purchasing these passionate works. You can probably get his music from Square-Enix's site, but I recommend iTunes or Amazon for all your musical needs.

[Ex]Band of the Week: Arrah and the Ferns

[2005-2008]
Arrah and the Ferns
Sounds Like: Indie-Pop / Folk
Drinking Buddies: Slow Club, The Boy Least Likely To, Math and Physics Club
Synopsis: Coy whispers between young lovers.
Makes You Want To...: Daydream; Smooch; Walk through the park
Evolved Into:

the bears of blue river
council, idaho
the native young
prayer breakfast
see orange
whoa bro awesome/sleeping bag
woodlands

[Myspace] / [Website] / [Last.fm]





This month is one of old and new.
Voilà! is featuring bands that have broken up.
This week, the featured artist is Arrah and the Ferns.



Tea. It's simple. Tea is simply tea. Coffee is complicated: it makes your entire body buzz from head to toe, if you drink it too fast you'll burn your mouth and tongue, and with contemporary coffee shops (which shall remain unmentioned), they have behemoth mutant coffees decorated with icing and ice, with all nameless sorts of names. Coffee is complex. There's not a lot to tea, really. Heat up some water, toss some leaves in it, let it steep for a bit. That's all there is to tea; you've got to love something that's just so pure, easy to understand, and simply made; no complications, just what you expect it to be. It's a comfort, tea is. And it's very personable, as there is no one way that people are required to drink tea. Have it hot with milk, have red tea straight and bitter, have white tea subtle and calming, have icy cold and extremely sweet black tea. Tea can be whatever you want it to be, and there's a taste for about everyone; it's because of tea's simplicity that it's so relateable.

Simple is calming, and simple is delightful, as are Arrah and the Ferns. It's soothing to listen to something so clear and easy to understand; so unpretentious and fun; so relaxed and jubilant. These cools cats Indiana are a gem rested gently in the midwest for four years, quietly making a huge musical difference for those ever-so lucky enough to be apart of their miniature movement.

Arrah and the Ferns made a lot of friends in their short creative musical group; this was a family of friends, all based on their own unique brand of friendships. And through these bonds, a quaint, unique brand of music was created. All that love for each other and music just flowed in the way streams are meant to, and streaming out the musical instruments were lighthearted, easygoing songs about love, and all the silly things that follow in its wake. Everything is light, from the guitars to the gentle keyboard, to the tap-tap rhythm on the drums.

It's hard, to sell some bands that break up, especially so soon in their musical career. Most bands have a long history, and well defined personalities, which makes for longwinded, thrilling essays that stretch for miles with the wasteful syntax of sentences strewn about careless defining their musical prowess. But Arrah and the Ferns really doesn't need that flowery language to define their sound, because their sound defines itself. It's earnestly one of a kind, drawing you in with the aforementioned simplicity and malleability. Arrah and the Ferns carry themselves as if they were your favourite band all along, and their album simply got lost amongst your record collection until you found it one day, rubbed all the dirt off, and became reacquainted with old friends. Old friends, good friends.

These friends in Arrah and the Ferns made their claim to fame with their debut album, Evan Is A Vegan. The album flows as a low-fi peace of genius, eclectic yet simple; easy to understand, yet it calls you back constantly to re-listen and re-indulge; it draws you back in eagerly to smile with each melody, with every witty lyric, with every bouncy note. Their sound is comfortable, and cool, and make you want to make friends with shy folks to see how thrillingly interesting they are once you get them talking. This is an album for friends, by friends. Lackaday, friends may stay friends, but some things change. During their work on their sophomore album, Bad in One Place, Arrah and the Ferns unfortunately went their separate ways. Now across the musical world, in many a number of different bands, Evan Is A Vegan and Arrah and the Ferns are a cute, memorable musical photo on the shelf, reminding us all how simply and fun music can be. Arrah and the Ferns are a nostalgic snapshot that reminds us to look for those hidden gems, because they are the most valuable.

Arrah and the Ferns still live on! They are featured in a song on Standard Records Christmas compilation, A Very Standard Christmas, with their song, "Merry Christmas Not X-Mas." And of course they have Evan Is A Vegan! If you want to catch a glimpse at the album, you're free to log on your Last.fm account, and visit Arrah and the Ferns' page, where you can hear the entire album for free. When the limited play count kicks in, you can rush straight over to iTunes or Standard Records' online store and buy your very own copy of Evan Is A Vegan, a diamond that no proper collection should be missing. Or, if you're just cheap, and want to see fond memories from better days, check out Arrah and the Ferns on their Myspace.

Band of the Week: Franz Ferdinand

[August 24 - 30]

Franz Ferdinand
Sounds Like: Indie Rock
Drinking Buddies: Bloc Party, LCD Soundsystem, Mando Diao, The Wombats
Synopsis: The hip, artistic exploration of dancing and foot tapping.

Makes You Want To...: Sing; Dance; Party.
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Franz Ferdinand.


In the moment, in the groove. Somewhere deep within the rythmn of life, of culture, of fashion, of society, of music, beats this ethereal essence of something-or-other that invigorates the soul. This strange, inexplicable pulse is a fabulous thing, because it is the driving force that inspires to do their own things - to be themselves - to act without restriction and inhibition. It whispers in these adventurous folks' hearts, and tells them they need to act atypical. And why? Well, just because someone has to. And one can argue this fate-granted aspect that can be endowed upon anyone. But if you walk in time, if one were to walk in rhythm, to that perfectly orchestrated beat-pulse-thing, one would wonder why they didn't follow the beat of their own drum a long time ago. One could wonder why everyone else isn't following this same beat.

We speak so frankly about this odd surreal motivational factor on Voilà!, today, because it may or may not be this odd factor - this inane, insatiable drive - to act different that inspires some of our favourite musical artists to do that thing they do. And the more entwined they are with this certain something - the more their musical interminglings intertwine with the aspects of culture, such as those mentioned prior, the more fluid the musicians styles glide along, ever so effortlessly. There are plenty of artists who are masters of this cultural symbiosis, but today, we're focusing on a quirky quartet out of Glasgow, Scotland.

They may be named after famous arch-dukes of Austria. Maybe it's because they wanted some effect in their name, or maybe it's because the name had so much affect on them. But regardless how you take it, Franz Ferdinand is certainly an iconic moniker in the contemporary rock scene these days. Having the often recounted history of being the latest and greatest art school rock bands - brimming with eclectic lightheartedness, and unpretentious funloving - to come out of left field in the earls 2000s. But the addicting rhythms and catchy choruses from these stylish Scots caught the ear of many a keen-minded music listener.

Using a powerfully unique blend of many generations of rock music, with their own twist on every single note, Franz Ferdinand easily perks people's attention. Their style involves steady, flowing electric guitar and very bass centric song structure, all orbitting the perfect distance in complement to Kapronos' poetic talent. With tight, close, perfectly timed beats that give every song a danceable quality, Franz Ferdinand has crafted themselves a style that's truly one of a kind; in fact, the only time another band has even approached a similar to style to Franz Ferdinand was with the debut release of fellow UK band, Bloc Party, on their album Silent Alarm.

Franz Ferdinand has a further qualities that can be attributed to them. While Bloc Party's Silent Alarm did share certain moods and styles with Franz Ferdinand's eponymous debut, it is Franz Ferdinand is the one who excels by launching themselves into further expansions of their own sound. With the release of their second album, You Could Have It So Much Better, Franz Ferdinand took everything their listeners loved off of the original release, and refined it into an even more pure form than its original. Furthermore, with the release of Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, in the beginning of 2009, Franz Ferdinand once again harnessed their musical prowess to once again evolve their unique style into something powerfully unique, with out at all detracting from their original sound that their fans loved so much. So you see, Franz Ferdinand a band which merely changes, solidifies, only to morph again; their sound is fluid, and ever evolving, never losing its learned benefits, only gaining more, growing and increases in wonder and intrigue. An ever evolving musical experiment that will have any listener entranced to keep listening and shaking their hips to the groove laid down on the record.

They've got the groove, Franz Ferdinand does. They've been laying it all down for quite some time now, with their three studio albums, every which one is a powerful defining mark on Franz Ferdinand's belt. Franz Ferdinand, You Could Have It So Much Better, and Tonight: Franz Ferdinand can be purchased just about anywhere these days, and all are worth every dollar you can spare for them.

When these boys aren't being featured on Pitchfork or NME - being hailed with thousands of well deserved musical accolades - they're probably busy showing up in Nylon or FashionTV for their fabulous fashion sense. If you're hoping for a more personal touch of Franz Ferdinand, you're in luck! Our faithful quartet is presently touring their hearts out! While presently wandering about the North American continent, following up with a UK tour, followed again by some stops in Russia and Japan, all before a return to the lands of Europe... Well, let's just say they're busy. For a musical treat, tour dates, and much more, check out Franz Ferdinand's Myspace. And while you're grooving, may you happily have a great week.

Band of the Week: Nightmare Of You

[August 10 - 16]

Nightmare Of You
Sounds Like: Indie Rock
Drinking Buddies: Dear and the Headlights, As Tall As Lions, Kevin Devine
Synopsis: Progressively back to basics.

Makes You Want To...: Sing along; Read fiction; Daydream amorously.
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Nightmare Of You.


There's a certain joy in simplicity. We constantly search it out, and for good reason. Because as flambouyant and contrived as so many things in our life can become, there's nothing more refreshing than catching glimpses at where it all started. You have to be open-minded though, not so restrictive with your opinions. You can't judge modern things that harken toward that of their predecessors. You must be able to appreciate the old, while embracing the contemporary.

It's the simple stuff, the sort of rock music you're used to and crave at a very basic level, that makes Nightmare Of You so intriguing. I've been following these guys from New York City have been rocking their a simplified four-piece band since 2005, and since then, they've gaining quite the fan following over the years. Representing the town they're from, Nightmare Of You sings imaginative love tunes and cynical snaps to their over-pretentious peers in the music scene. And now freed of their music label chains (as if they could've been chained to begin with), now running their own indie label themselves, they're evermore free to represent themselves how they choose.

The music Nightmare Of You plays is what's more retrospective. Sticking to basic guitar chords, drawn out and steady - or twangy plucks mixed with electronic keyboarding reminiscent of The Cure - along with the ubiquitous guitar solo; their adhering to a more farmiliar rock trends further opens them to more creative song crafting avenues. Unfortunately, my verbosity as a wordsmith can't seem to do Nightmare Of You their proper justice, as they truly are a unique entity in music. While everyone else is busy with their fashion, their scene, or their gimicks, Nightmare Of You is content to relax, while playing they dig. It's very creative, and flows perfectly; what more do you need to enjoy some wicked tunes, eh?

Nightmare Of You is finally back home in New York, after some extremely extensive touring all throughout the beginning of summer. They have one more fête to throw in their hometown though. That is to say, their fantastic record release show tonight! After the releases of a few EPs, most notably their BANG! EP in 2007, and their eponymous debut back in 2005, Nightmare Of You is finally making their sophomore release a reality. Their independently released, brand new full-length album, Infomaniac, is presently on sale through digital outlets, including iTunes, while its physical brethren was introduced into stores as of yesterday. You can catch their tunes... literally all over the place... So I'll just give you their Myspace, as expected, and let you hunt down their purevolumeimeemfacebooketc yourself.

Nightmare Of You has been an old favourite of mine since high school, and I certainly hope you folks enjoy. Ah, hearing "I Want To Be Buried In Your Backyard" and "Dear Scene, I Wish I Were Deaf" bring back tonnes of memories. I hope you love them. For those in Chicago, hope you haven't been passing out due to the heat at Lolla. For everyone else, peace.

Band of the Week: Ponytail

[August 3 - 9]

Ponytail
Sounds Like: Art-Rock / Experimental
Drinking Buddies: Deerhoof, Times New Viking, The Moi Non Plus, Pterodactyl
Synopsis: There's a fine line between insanity and genius, and we're jumping rope with it.

Makes You Want To...: SUGAR RUSH!; Wild out; Random play
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Ponytail.


Call it what you will, call it what you may. Call it whatever you damn well please, but whether you like it or not, music is not just music. It's not just well orchestrated sounds put on pieces of plastic. It's not just a tremendously ingrained cultural aspect within our society. No no, not in the slightest. Music is more. Music is a river a creativity, flowing through the audiovascular system to the cerebral vortex of the minds of musicians and listeners everywhere. My friendly readers, music is more than music. Music is an artform, every bit as much a creative adventure as anything you'll find in some sterile museum.

But whereas regular art is confined to canvas or a podium for visual display, music has no limits except those of your mind. You make what you wish of music by your own interpretation, and all you have to base it on is exactly how tightly wound the guitar strings of your mind are. And believe me, the more you loosen up those strings, the more fun you can have. You can quickly realize some music doesn't need words. Hell, you'll learn some songs don't even need structure. You can learn feedback sounds beautiful, screaming sounds pristine, and your voice is not just an outlet, but an instrument. Music is art, simple as that. And Ponytail is Ponytail, simple as that.

Yes, you heard me. Ponytail is Ponytail - duh - didn't know? Do you really need to judge this crazy quartet from Baltimore? Not particularly; they have two guitars, a drum set, and a few microphones. But they're just a band of folks who like making some neat music. But there's so much more to discover when you're not judging, so stop while you're ahead. Ponytail is all about loose guitar strings and just jammin' around all day. Their music doesn't really have to make sense to anyone else, because it certainly makes sense to them. Ponytail is well contented to play however they want and let you tie all the rest of the knots if you're interested enough to follow them on their auditory exploration.

They play fast, they play loud, and they play without inhibition. Ponytail dips their feet directly into that swimming pool of creativity; but they don't linger, rather, cannonball straight in and start splashing anyone who hasn't joined them. Forgoing and bass guitar, they concentrate all of their music on duel guitars, shredding away in two opposite direction before crashing back together. As if the guitarists weren't a show enough, their singer dances and sings along with inane energy seeping out of every inch of her skin, wildly yelping and rocking out to every disjointed yet harmonic note, all whilst deafening blasts of malleable beats blare from the drums backing up the whole affair. Many of my writing peers frequently described Ponytail's crazed eclecticness as a musical "sugar rush," and they couldn't be speaking more of the truths. Turn up your speakers, down a few pixie stix, and listen to "...,,,;;;:::!" by Ponytail; you might understand.

The wicked folks of Ponytail aren't very busy right now. Besides a local show scheduled in the somewhat near future, they're chilling. It's well deserved though, after heaps of touring following the release of their sophomore album, Ice Cream Spiritual, a celebration of all things huhwoahreallythat'ssocool. You'll understand what I'm talking about if you listen to "7 Souls." If you're further intrigued, you can also catch their freshman release, Kamehameha, which you can stream off of Last.fm if you're cheap and strapped for cash at the moment (like me). Or you can wander over to Daytrotter, and catch their very spontaneous acoustic session.

And all I can furthermore I hope that you enjoy.

Band of the Week: Minuscule Hey

[July 27 - August 2]

Minuscule Hey
Sounds Like: Indie-Pop
Drinking Buddies: The Blow, くるり (Quruli), The Pinker Tones

Synopsis: Easily enjoyed to minimalist indie-pop duet with a tiny dash of zing and minusculity? Ouais.

Makes You Want To...: Dance; Sing; Tap your foot.
[Site] / [Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Minuscule Hey.


There's this thing about uniqueness. It's important, standing out of the crowd, that is. There are plenty of folks content to go with the general flow of traffic, following all the major thoroughfares. But it's so boring! I mean, just take a drive on the highway; marred with potholes, you'll spend most of your time (no doubt, if you live in as large of a metropolitan area as I), stuck in traffic, being tailgated, or watching warily for those cops with the motorcycles. It's bad enough on the highway, much less in life. No sir'y-bob! That's not for certain folks out there, and these certain people brave the side streets in search of the scenic routes. Adventuring of the often beaten trails - maybe you'll find something out there, maybe not - but the point is, living within the confines of the typical gets... well, typical.

Atypicality is a spice in life! A quirky taste, that tastes something like cayenne peppers. You've got to savour it, and there's plenty of neat stuff to celebrate. Minuscule Hey knows that, and they represent it well. Okay, so their 'hey' is small, Minuscule Hey doesn't mind much. This anglophonic French band out of Bordeux labels themselves 'mini rock.' And there's no real phrase that could express it any better.

Eclectic is the name of the game for Emily and Laurent of Minuscule Hey. They go for mixing it up, these two troubadours. They swirl pop and rock perfectly together like some wildly delicious milkshake concoction, all tastes tantalizing, musical notes dancing across your audio-cerebral taste buds like some truly imaginative invention of sound and style. Accompanied by their trusty drum machine a tut tut tutting away for them, Minuscule Hey brings tapping feet, dancing hearts, and nodding heads together all at once - all like minded individuals converging and crashing cataclysmically together in some sort of musical combobulation. I think the message here is that this is some fabulous music.

Minuscule Hey caught my heart up with their fabulous cover of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" that began to circulate across the internet earlier this year. As it so turns out, Minuscule Hey has released that cover, along with their 10 other minimalistic ditties spread out across three low key EPs, their eponymous debut, Bananoffee, and their latest release titled We Feel Minuscule. I'm not sure where any of us can score the two first records... I'm at a complete loss this time, reader. But! Minuscule Hey had We Feel Minuscule debuted by French indie label Alienor Records, and you can listen to and snag yourself a copy of this nifty EP off of their site for €4.

Minuscule Hey is taking a break for the summer before they launch on a minuscule tour about England in October, followed by some French shows afterwards. Leur site est seulement en Français maintenant, but they're working on getting an English version of the site operational soon! You can check out aforementioned website right here. Or you can go peruse their Myspace, which has a host of their great songs! Or, if you're having fun wandering around Voilà!, you could always check out their Bob Dylan cover right here. In any event, reader, I bid you an imaginative week. Have fun!

Band of the Week: Blitzen Trapper

[July 13 - 19]

Blitzen Trapper
Sounds Like: Folk / Indie-Pop
Drinking Buddies: Dr. Dog, My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes

Synopsis: Oh, is that what you thought folks was? Sorry, we changed it.

Makes You Want To...: Ponder; Rebel; Whistle.
[Myspace] / [Site]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Blitzen Trapper.


It's an interesting thing, how the tides turn from unfavourable to a blessing that will guide you into shore. It's intriguing how somehow those who are so biased against - those have only a voice, but no say - are so quickly given their say - are given their peace to speak atop the soapbox. Some have called it one's fifteen seconds of fame, and maybe they have been pursuing such fame, or such fame tripped and fell conveniently in their lap. But regardless, when the underdog, obstructed from view by the metaphorical skyscrapers of society that surround them, gets their opportunity to shine, it makes for all the more heroic story.

Have you heard of Blitzen Trapper, reader? I'd be shocked if you haven't at this point. This quirky sextet out of Oregon is one of those sudden success stories that have sailed to the top in a New York minute. With their somewhat experimental, southern sounding folks style, Blitzen Trapper hovered in a bubble of complete musical obscurity for the longest time, their biggest fans bravely touting them from the nooks and crannies throughout the internet as loud as they could muster. Alas, though they were perfectly comfortable with their position, for all the accolades Blitzen Trapper received, for all kind words endowed, nothing could break this shield against notoriety.

But they say good will overcome, and I suppose the same goes for good music. It was the release of Furr, Blizten Trappers' latest release, that slingshotted these boys into some immensely bright spotlights in the musical industry. With the pat on the back from the Sub-Pop Records family, Blitzen Trapper released their latest record, filled with uniqueness and intrigue on every inch of the album. As a result, they were subsequently hailed by the obvious fans - Pitchfork, Spin Magazine, and the like - but also praised by one of the most influential musical voices in the journalism industry: Rolling Stone Magazine featured Furr not only as a wonderful album that deserves your attention, but ranked it as one of the best albums of 2008.

And despite all the attention, they've remained quite humble through it all, albeit a bit busier than before. Blitzen Trapper is presently touring their hearts out all summer long. They'll be gracing the Pitchfork Music Festival in a few weeks, and will arrive back in the northwest, playing a free show with Throw Me The Statue in Seattle, and a festival in their hometown, Portland, before launching on a tour across Europe that can only be described by the words "impressive" or "epic." Your choice.

Blizten Trapper is on their fourth album with the release of Furr. They also have their eponymous debut, Field Rexx, and Wild Mountain Nation (which is an album you don't want to miss) under their belt, along with a slew of featurettes scattered across the internet, mostly on iTunes. They've been featured on Daytrotter a ridiculous FOUR TIMES in the last year (I, II, III, IV), their fourth session debuting on the site today - all of which I almost feel essentially constitutes an EP- each session is as sexy and unique as the last, filled with the most delightful folk twanging tunes you could ever dream up. You have to respect the fine boys and their passionate style. Get to listening, keep those ears on the speakers, and have a great week, reader.

Band of the Week: Explosions In The Sky

[June 29 - July 6]

Explosions In The Sky
Sounds Like: Rock / Post-Rock
Drinking Buddies: Sigur Rós, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Mogwai

Synopsis: Beauty, no words necessary.

Makes You Want To...: Dream; Feel; Be
[Site] / [Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Explosions In The Sky.


Oh yes, tomorrow, The Fourth of July! The day the United States claimed its independence from the English Empire back in the day; the day a country of misfits and ne'er-do-wells stood up on their own two feet, and said, "Hey, we aren't going to take your perfectly logical taxes upon a colony lightly! We are the United States of England at the moment, and if you don't respect us, we'll be the United States of something else real quick-like." The day the underdog claimed their independence as a land of people who can think for themselves, and a day when a few crazy people started an avalanche of a revolution that changed history...

This day is special here in the States - it's the very core of what our nation was founded on - without the actions of the founding fathers of this nation's independence, well, the face of the world would be very much different today. It's a special day for my home country, and so, I feel like sharing something especially special with you, today, reader. This is my all time favourite band, bar none. This is a band not only from my home country, but from my home state of Texas, another epic landscape founded by the acts of a few crazy rebels. This is a band that has somehow taken emotions and dreams, and contained them within the sounds exquisitely assembled on a musical album, done in a way no other band could help to do. This band is a band of rebels, a band of raw feeling, and a band that have no equals. This is a band that is beyond unique. This is Explosions In The Sky.

In some wildly, unrealistically romantic turn of coincidence, Explosions In The Sky was formed on the Fourth of July of 1999, one whole decade ago to the day. With their beginnings of watching fireworks blast in the air with mind numbing beauty and volume, this quartet originally hailing Midland, Texas - now calling the capitol of Austin their home - aimed to dream beyond dreams, and with their inept, indisputable musical abilities, have began changing the very structure and ideals of music from the ground up.

Explosions In The Sky is usually put into the genre of post-rock - though they assure they're just a rock band. Post-rock is a new genre that is still in those early stages when all the weird mutations are happening, and the genre as a whole looks like some ridiculous reject from Spore. At present, the genre is mostly defined by tremendously powerful rock music, usually entirely instrumental, that uses crescendo, climax, and sheer walls of sound to its advantage. Post-rock is quickly becoming a tremendous musical creature with all nameless sorts of bands, such as This Will Destroy You, I Hear Sirens, and The American Dollar. But for any post-rock band that raises their guitar in triumph, you can believe without a doubt that much of the inspiration for such epic instrumental choreography was from the magic that Explosions In The Sky weaved across their guitars and drums.

But how does one describe a band so esoteric? Explosions In The Sky are a national phenomenon, yet somehow remain a musical underdog. They are esoteric beyond measure, yet some of the most relaxed and humble folks you'll see. Their music is epic, sheer walls of sound ripping apart speakers by the very seems of their electro-engineering, yet Explosions In The Sky are sincere masters of silence in their music, holding your heart and breath all at once as you wait for that next note to break the beautifully haunting quietude.

How does one describe Explosions In The Sky? I describe it as dreams in motion, ebbing and flowing in the inconceivable Ether of sound. I describe it as imagination personified, and thus materialized into existence, through the vehicle of sound. I describe it as the tremendous build-up of potential energy stored in the snow of a mountain's peak tumbling down to the ground in slow motion - each nuance full in view - all the chaos and beauty shining forth is such a terribly perfect event - crashing down upon the land below in powerful, unbelievably epic fashion, only to settle in silence, sitting cooly and calmly waiting for another dream to come true. But that's just me.

Explosions In The Sky have four full length albums to their name, all of which take and express a different feeling and emotion, these albums' titles being their individual theme. How Strange, Innocence, Those Who Tell The Truth Will Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever, The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place, and All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone, all entirely unique, all completely different, all calming silence and deafening sound. All beautiful. They also have a mini-album, The Rescue, in an extremely unique fashion, which you can download for free and learn more about here, and read a little explanation straight from Explosions In The Sky.

Explosions In The Sky shocked their fanbase last year by claiming they are taking a short break from music, looking forward to, "getting back to our normal lives here in Austin...walking dogs, taking naps, having babies, playing scrabble, painting bathrooms, fixing air conditioners, reading about the Civil War, etc." But somehow, they haven't really settled down in their music careers, performing a miniature ten year anniversary tour, going to a limited number of cities, including Austin, Chicago, and others. They're book for the Free Press Summer Fest in Houston in August, a tour with The Flaming Lips afterward, and the infamous All Tomorrow's Parties in the UK in December. Explosions In The Sky is also celebrating their tenth birthday by playing a small show at Stubb's Barbeque in Austin, on the Fourth of July. You can hear more of Explosions In The Sky on their website, or on their Myspace.

As much as I could say about Explosions In The Sky, there is no way I could ever do this band any justice. To me, they are the epitome of music, and have - in their own way - changed my life, just a little, by allowing me to drift with them in their dreams. Just as Explosions ends all their messages to their friends...

Thanks for caring.

Love.

Band of the Week: You, Me, and Everyone We Know

[June 22 - 28]

You, Me, and Everyone We Know
Sounds Like: Indie-Pop / Powerpop
Drinking Buddies: Say Anything, Panic At The Disco, All Time Low

Synopsis: "Ain't it a shame we're so young and insane?"

Makes You Want To...: Sing; Rock out; Break it down.
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is You, Me, and Everyone We Know.


The pop-punk genre is a fickle one. It's always been heavily populated. Honestly, it takes two of the strongest points of rock music, and mixes them together like some sort of hybrid musical milkshake: loud, fast, rebellious, electric-focused instrumentation plus catchy hooks and choruses, bright attitudes, and very lyrically centered songs make for a unique, extremely maleable style. pop-punk has taking its bruises as the biggest names (Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, etc.) and friends began going Hollywood on their friends, but it's called "pop" for a reason, right?

Regardless, the one thing a genre needs for progression is evolution. The music as a whole, from all artists, needs a maturing, and the artists need an overhaul. There are plenty of pop-punkers that are total blah-bubblepop-filler (sorry, The Cab, I'm looking at you). But as specific musical tendencies find their ways into place, some uniqueness is budding back into the genre in some very colourful forms. Say Anything, Neversaynever!, Midtown, Danger Radio, and a slew of other creative souls are bringing a little something unique back into pop-punk by rececitating the uniqueness in the music.

There's one other band engergizing pop-punk presently, and they are known as You, Me, and Everyone We Know. Inspiring their moniker from the independent film of the extremely similar title, You, Me, and Everyone We Know breaks it down with a distinct, vibrant pop-punk aesthetic that draws from more sources than I could put my finger on. Listen closely to "Dirty Laundry" or "I Can Get Up Now," and you will hear the biggest names in contemporary pop-rock in sleek, refined, musical medley, shaken not stirred. Singing like Say Anything, playing with a bit of Hellogoodbye and Starting Line, maybe a dash of Plain White T's or Relient K, add a little fairy dust and/or rock n' roll spirit, and you'll suddenly find yourself listening to You, Me, and Everyone We Know.

Don't take me wrong though, it's not that You, Me, and Everyone We Know deserves to be sternly called a copycat. For all the inspiration they've sought in their peers, You, Me, and Everyone We Know stand alone. Their tunes are completely original, eclectic, and silly - as to be expected - with the taste of sarcasm, geek, and romance lapping all over your audio pallet. This is the stuff that Warped Tour has been truly starved for until You, Me, and Everyone We Know's arrival on the scene: a concoction of everything wonderful in the genre, yet a perfect evolutionary pinacle that blares away with audibly sweet melodies that bring you back like an emphatic addict to the sound.


What's even more exciting is that these guys are completely ind-dee-pendent. That's right, they have no label; talk about homegrown musical cooking! So to speak, anyway. You, Me, And Everyone We Know have released two albums independently through their musical career: their debut Party for the Grown and Sexy, and their 2008 sophomore release, So Young, So Insane, and they're both filled to the brim with so grown, so sexy, so young, and of course so insane songs that will make your heart beat and soul smile. But at $12 an album, music may seem steep in these troubled economic times. Never fret, for you can catch the entirety Party for the Grown and Sexy entirely for free on You, Me, and Everyone We Know's Last.fm - just get an account (like mine) - which, frankly, any music lover should have already - and you're set!

But maybe you're more the type to get more intimate with your favourite musical artists. Well, maybe at least check them out in person! Fortunately, you'll have no better opportunity to do so with You, Me, and Everyone We Know this summer, as they are one of the many talented artists to grace the stages at Warped Tour this year. Tell me that's not exciting, I dare you! Of course, you can visit the boys on Myspace, or even on their aforementioned Last.fm. But You, Me, and Everyone We Know is definitely a group you're not going to want to miss. Peace, readers, and happy listening.

Band of the Week: Original Folks

[June 8 - 14]

Original Folks
Sounds Like: Indie-Pop
Drinking Buddies: The Morning Benders, Some By Sea, Nightmare Of You.

Synopsis: The sort of anglophonic French music designed to make you smile.

Makes You Want To...: Sing; Contemplate; Tap your foot.
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Original Folks.


They say that there's nothing in are world that is truly original. They say that everything out there is simply a copy of something else - whether consciously planned or subconsciously brought about - and that never again will we see anything truly novel and unique, for all creations henceforth are duplicates of their forefathers long since created. Well, that's what "they" - whoever "they" are - say. I don't think that rule applies, reader. I think this world is overflowing with new and novel. I feel that there is no limit to the bounds of our creativity if we put our minds to it. And especially when it comes to someone so creative and so important such as music, I don't think we'll ever run out of ideas.

We tend to hear a lot about recycling these days. Okay, sure, maybe recycling is reusing old stuff, and we aren't seeing anything quote-unquote "new and original." But there's always something colourful to be found in old stuff as well. Give it a little twinge here, and a little tweak there, put it under a different light, and hear it in a different mood, and you find something truly unique, even if it's nothing earth-shatteringly innovative.

This recycled, but unique style suits Original Folks very well. Sure, they're not the original folks - granted, there most have been some folks before these guys arrived. And sure, their style isn't - as mentioned - incomparably nouveau nor mind-numbingly nonpareil. But it's the Original Folks' prevailing gallant representation of all the things that are great about tried-and-true song structure that sets these Folks apart.

The Original Folks hail from Strasbourg, France, and these English speaking songsmiths play through classic styles with a unique tinge that sets them apart from their peers. Original Folks stick stringently to a very simple, natural verse-chorus-verse song structure, with extremely little deviation. If you think this sounds a bit lame, and are already contemplating prejudgement, let me call you out on your bourgeois musical tastes! There's nothing wrong with such a simple song structure, albeit quite nearly any artist can successfully play it. What the Original Folks do is spice this banal song structure with unique, eclectic instrumentation and some of the most bubbly tunes I've heard recently. The result is something similar to cinnamon flavoured ice cream: gorgeous, light, and creamy - as you would expect - but with a twist, one which is ever so sweet. Coincidentally, you may also be really sad when you've heard all the Original Folks songs, as you would when the ice cream runs out.

Presently, Original Folks is keeping things local, while hitting up a couple venues in France. In the mean time, you can expect them to be crafting even more wry tunes for your eager ears. To prove how absolutely new these guys are to the music scene, their debut LP, Common Use, debuted back in March! You can snag it from their shop, or find it on iTunes by searching "Common Use." These Original Folks are a real treat, and a real gem that could easily go missed. So don't miss them now that you have the chance to groove with them! Have a great week, reader.

Band of the Week: Clã

[May 18 - 24]

Clã
Sounds Like: Indie-Pop
Drinking Buddies: Via Audio, Quruli, The Acorn

Synopsis: Quaint Portuguese indie-pop prominent with passion.

Makes You Want To...: Dance; Learn a foreign language; Sing
[Myspace] / [Official Website]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Clã.


Unique is a difficult term to nail down. There are a lot of folks you might who'll say, "Uniqueness is hard to come by." But I beg to differ; uniqueness is EVERYWHERE. But there are different types of uniqueness, from what I see. And since this is true, it's difficult to figure out which brand of uniqueness is actually the most unique and interesting. I tend to focus my effort (in music, anyway) toward those who are willing to have fun and play around with their sound. Folks who aren't afraid what folks will think; folks who want to play good music for the sake of playing good music.

It's in this land where boundaries that once seem to matter crumble under the pressure of freedom. Genres? Pishposh. Language? Never-you-mind. What's important here, in music without boundaries, is enjoying the neat sounds that spill forth from the speakers. And who better enjoy than Clã.

Clã hails from Portugal, and plays a unique, uplifting, invigorating pop rock with a European twist and tang. Clã has been around for quite a long time, first picking up their instruments back in 1992. They've expanded their repertoire with perky pop music and Portuguese lyric - tunes that just make your heart feel like beating, and that will make you feel like smiling. They've released quite a few studio albums - Kazoo, Lustro, Afinidades, Rosa Came, and more - and seemed to have really picked up in a more international fanbase with the release of their most recent album, Cintura, which was released in 2007. The pickle about Clã is that they are indeed independent, and they are indeed based strictly out of Portugal. This means it's VERY difficult to go about acquiring their music. But if you're willing to snoop around for your songs, then Clã is a band you definitely don't want slipping under your radar.

Presently, Clã is going to be touring around Europe for the Summer. If you were playing really close attention to Voilà! too, you may have even noticed that Clã made my list of bands to pay attention to during this year's South by Southwest; need I repeat Clã should not be overlooked? They have quite a sophisticated, sexy looking official website, with everything you need to know about Clã, in both English and Portugese. Or if you're the traditional Myspace type, you can even find Clã on Myspace as well.

It's time for something a little more unique, reader! Have a great week.

Band of the Week: The Mooney Suzuki

[May 11 - 17]

The Mooney Suzuki
Sounds Like: Garage Rock / Old School
Drinking Buddies: Albert Hammond Jr., Tokyo Sex Destruction, The Rolling Stones

Synopsis: Old school stylings with new school feelings.

Makes You Want To...: Chant; Wild out; Drink.
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is The Mooney Suzuki.


Anyone can blither on all day about modern music like it's the melodic saviour descended upon high from the mighty rock n' roll guitar gods in the form of "the artistic use of distortion," complex song structure, and unique instrumentation. Anyone can, and some do it better than others, but that's not the point. The real shining beacon here can be seen in the last post on Voilà!, about The Soft Pack. These guys play simple rock, all of that high fructose pop-rock bled out of their sound, leaving them with a gritty, raw, and absolutely delicious style. The Soft Pack's style is almost dated it's so simple, and that's what makes them so good. Because as many of us know, real rock n' roll has been absent for some time now.

There are millions of folks out there who have long ago resigned to not pay attention to modern music, for it is, as they would say, a paled excuse for music from the former self of rock music. A world where most of the bands are far older than us. Classic rock: The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix; the list goes on. But its all these folks who are ostensibly the reason why rock music is the way it is in its contemporary form. These folks ardent pursuit of loud, raucous rock, flailing guitar solos, and general ridiculousness has spawned an uncontrollable, unstoppable movement known as modern rock, and we owe them a bit of gratitude.

And if wealth could be measured in tribute and gratuity, the The Mooney Suzuki would be musical millionaires, which judging by their sound and songs, you'd be hard pressed to doubt their potential. The Mooney Suzuki hails from New York, New York, unless the truth was that they somehow slipped through a time warp from back in the 70s (it's entirely possible?). These guys play a sound that... well, it sounds like it's classic rock, but they're way to modern to be considered as such. With a wonderfully blended style of The doors, The Rolling Stones, as well as the progression of music since such great musical artists were actually around and kicking, The Mooney Suzuki results in a sound unprecedentedly old school. And that's an extremely huge compliment.

These guys aren't afraid to represent the music they love, probably because they do it so darn well. It has everything you would expect in good classic rock: simple chord structures, fast pace, the obligatory (yet still always somehow random sounding) piano, high energy, and of course, guitar solo after guitar solo. Sex, drugs, and women - the rock clichés - are quite pervasive in The Mooney Suzuki's lyrics, and are happily touted along the way. And their energy... the energy these boys exude - especially in their live performances - is off the Richter scale. When the solo guitarist runs out into the guitar blaring his guitar licks while pushing through drunk onlookers, only to run back to the stage and scale a huge speaker for his final solo of the night... well, I think you might get the idea.

The music is where these guys truly shine, and sadly, the best way I can explain their style is to send you speeding to them to catch a listen for yourself! The Mooney Suzuki has four studio albums, People Get Ready, Electric Sweat, Alive & Amplified, and Have Mercy, all of which I'm willing to bet can be found at your local music retailer and on iTunes. Words have been scarce out of Camp Mooney Suzuki lately, but I'm willing to bet they've been feverishly endeavouring toward a new album. But maybe that's me just starting a rumour...

One thing is for certain, and that is you need to listen to The Mooney Suzuki while you have the chance, before they grow old too. Maybe you'd like to visit The Mooney Suzuki on YouTube. That's fair. But they also have a really sleek, sexy looking website which would be nice to witness. And if Myspace is more your style, you can find The Mooney Suzuki's Myspace right here. Get a'listenin' to their old school stylings, reader, and have a very nice week.

Band of the Week: The Scene Aesthetic

[May 4 - 10]

The Scene Aesthetic
Sounds Like: Alt-Pop / Acoustic
Drinking Buddies: Daphne Loves Derby, Nevershoutnever!, Secondhand Serenade

Synopsis: Think Kings of Convenience with a dash of Manifest Destiny. And guitars. Did I mention acoustic guitars?

Makes You Want To...: Sing; Dream; Hang out with friends
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is The Scene Aesthetic.


Humble, reader. I'm a huge fan of humble. I try to keep Voilà! as low key, easy to read, and humble as possible most of the times. Yeah, maybe we have some lofty standards for our writing, but that doesn't prevent a relaxed atmosphere for some neat musical reviews and literature. We're outspoken here at Voilà!, but certainly without arrogance and pretense. Humble is a great thing, and the same goes for music. Sûr, some bands climb so pretty impressive pedestals (no doubt built by the best of the best in ancient Greek architects), stand at the top, and cry aloud, "Hey, wimpier musical folks, we're on top, and cooler than you!" But where's the fun in that?

Voilà! prefers humble. If you're expecting Grammy award winning, international celebrity superstars, or deliberately confusing, overcomplicated slosh that is trolling the musical community for fellow pretentious music listeners; well, reader, you're not looking in the right place. Now, if you're hoping for something a bit more modest, you couldn't find a more honest, vibrant pool of music to dip your toes in. Sure, something gregariously huge like I'm From Barcelona, or something wildly intrepid like the Broken Social Scene are good sometimes, but there's nothing wrong with music that's toned down. It's the whole appeal for bands like Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Kings of Convenience, and Madeline.

Well it's time to add another band to this list of humble hipsters. They're not unknown; neigh, these boys are almost like friends to us. Old friends. The sort of friends you almost forgot about, but noticed walking down the sidewalk when they said hi to you. Old, great friend, that foster memories of parties gone by, singing in chorus with hearts, and minds, and smiles all as one. I'm talking about The Scene Aesthetic.

Oh yes, I have a feeling there are quite a few people frequenting Voilà! who know of these boys. The acoustic duo hailing from Everett, Washington - Eric Bowley and Andrew de Torres (of Danger Radio) - over their years pursuing some bubbly, budding musical - is humbleness at its finest. I remember the day and age when The Scene Aesthetic was just starting off. Two guys, some amateur demos recorded on sub-par equipment, a camera for a couple intimate live performances just for the viewer... these guys found me back in the day - not the other way around - and I've loved The Scene Aesthetic ever since.

Simplicity is key when trying to see what The Scene Aesthetic is all about. They started from bare basics - only two members, two voices, and two guitars. And that's all they needed, because their style - their poetry - their message - their music, was perfectly suited for the sound; The Scene Aesthetic didn't need complex instrumentation to raise the musical standards, nor did they need to lather up their sound in esotericism; they needed to play their guitars and sing. And that's all anyone wanted: two humble musicians who loved what they do.

Do you still doubt their appeal of The Scene Aesthetic, reader? When is the last time you have seen a small, new band disappear for nearly two years after the release of only a single record, and maintain well over 95% of their fanbase? Such a lofty accomplishment is all accredited to The Scene Aesthetic. After the release of the band's debut album, Building Homes from What We've Known, and some touring in support, Eric Bowley was scheduled to take a mission trip. He wandered off to Argentina for who knows how long now, yet fans poured love and support on the band throughout the entire hiatus. Now Bowley and de Torres are again reunited to their former dynamic, and that means more vibrant creativity is set light up in the extremely near future. You can expect some fabulous music, that's for sure, reader.

Upon Eric's return to the United States, The Scene Aesthetic launched a mini-homecoming tour in Washington and Texas. Now they're back home, minding their own; this certainly doesn't mean The Scene Aesthetic is quiet though. Both Andrew and Eric love to communicate with their fans; Andrew and Eric respectively have Twitter, and if you meander to Eric's, you can find the tracklisting to TSA's latest endeavour, A Type & A Shadow EP. If you're an artist, draw something Scene Aesthetic related, and send it to them! Or even call TSA , and leave them a message for them to hear online! You can go check The Scene Aesthetic and get to know them right here on Myspace.

But I digress... To music music: as mentioned, A Type & A Shadow EP has literally been announced in the last couple weeks, so there is quite a bit of buzz a'buzzin' 'round. Some of the songs from the brand new EP are floating around on The Scene Aesthetic's Myspace, including "Humans" and "Grace Looks Back (Where You Need To Be)." Also hovering about their Myspace is an infamous new cover song, pop sensation Taylor Swift's hit, "Love Story," which TSA recorded for the compilation Rockin' Romance. It's... it's really good guys... I need say nothing more about the song, so just listen! And finally, The Scene Aesthetic has their debut album, Building Homes from Places We Know, which you can find at your lovely place of music purchasing.

I hope you come to love The Scene Aesthetic as much as I have, folks. Give them a thorough listen. Since I'm feeling a bit nostalgic, here's a treat for newer fans of The Scene Aesthetic, from back in the good ol' days. But to all, have a wonderful, humble week, and be sure to smile. Peace, reader. Love, reader.