The Most Serene Republic of Venice. Oh, Venice, what a beautiful place that must be. Sadly, I can't say I have ever visited any such republics which are the most serene. Now, I can't speak for a certain collection of Canadians, but I certainly have kept my eye on The Most Serene Republic, who cropped up out of Ontario to start a real storm in the artistic music scene.
The Ontario art students have been making their way and having loads of fun lately. And now, they present the fruits of their labours. The Most Serene Republic participated in a film titled Green Door, which was premiered last December at the Toronto Film Festival. They covered the song by the same title, "Green Door" - originally by Jim Lowe - which was featured in the film. Now, The Most Serene Republic is featuring "Green Door" for its listeners online! As if new tunes (or cover songs, for that matter) weren't exciting enough, the word on the grapevine is that The Most Serene Republic is entering the studio in the extremely near future. We can expect some newer tunes very soon, along with many more exciting announcements.
So where to begin? You go read a little bit about the film Green Door, certainly. Or you can wander over The Most Serene Republic's Myspace, where you can listen to their latest song - a cover of Jim Lowe - "Green Door," and be thoroughly amused; you can also catch with of TMSR's B-Side, "Pillow Persecussion," which is a very abstract instrumental. Drop by, say hi!
Oh, and of course, happy Halloween from Voilà!
But with the malfunctioning computer, don't expect me to be too generous on the candy giving.
Computers. Oh, they're such silly inventions. You can take online classes at the colleges of your choice without ever setting foot on the university grounds, you can treat yourself to visuals, stories, and images from far and wide across the entire planet without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. And heck, you could even start a music blog called Voilà! like me. But unfortunately, when those computers of ours don't work, our lives are thrown completely into disarray. What ever shall we do?!
Well, I know what I shall do. My computer is presently broken at the moment... for whatever reason, reasons of which are unknown to me. I will try to update as frequently as possible, but if you don't see any earth-shattering articles, it's because I simply cannot sit down to write them anywhere comfortable. No Band of the Week this week... but keep your hopes up for next Monday!
But let's see... where's a good place to go when you need a quick fix for music at the public library. Well, as it turns out, Goot has released a second Myspace with some of his neatest cover songs featured! How can you not resist that cover of "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys? Wander over to Goot's coversite right now!
Oh those crazy Canadian characters in the curious collective, Ohbijou... (Excuse me, I'm fairly sick with a cold at the moment, and really wanted to say a long sentence with lots of C-words.). Those folks are able to evoke some intriguing emotions with their eclectic compositions; their tasty, slowly simmered sound of pop-meets-folk presents a wonderful image and some unprecedented music.
But who is Ohbijou, you may ask? Sure, they're from Toronto, and that's fine and dandy, but WHO are they? Who are the band members? What is their day to day life like? If you're interested into taking a peek into the Ohbijou's life, then feel free to gander on. The folks of Ohbijou have released their latest video, entitled Under Our Roof, which documents the band coming together and hanging out. It features Ohbijou's DIY house-party house in Bellwoods, and the parting of Andrew Kinoshita.
And of course, if you're just interested in the music, you'll catch a glimpse at a sexy live performance of Ohbijou, with the crisp, wonderful sound you'd expect! You can catch Ohbijou's latest video-film, Under Our Roof, on Ohbijou's website (click on videos - you'll see it). If you'd rather have some tunes to sing along to though, feel free to wander to Ohbijou's Myspace, or read more about when Voilà! featured them.
Við spilum endalaust. You heard me! Við spilum endalaust. Let's say it together, shall we? Við spilum endalaust.
Unless you're in the know of post-modern rock, or you happen to live on a fairly small country out in the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America, you're probably asking, "What in the world is við spilum endalaust."
Við spilum endalaust happens to be Icelandic. It translates to, 'We play endlessly.' But of course, I would never have known that unless I relished over the recent release of Icelandic ensemble of Sigur Rós, in their latest album titled, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, or for us Anglophones, With Buzzing In Our Ears We Play Endlessly. They even have a song by the same phrase, "Við Spilum Endalaust."
But Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust debuted back in summer. Why pray tell do I mention it now? As it happens, Sigur Rós is notoriously for being followed around by cameras, which are in the hands of unprecedentedly talented cinematographers. If you saw the documentary of the band's tour around Iceland, humbly titled Heima, you'd know what I'm talking about. Well as it turns out, Sigur Rós has released a brand new trailer for their brand new film, Við Spilum Endalaust, which will apparently be available on their website soon!
As with any decent trailer, it does two things. First, it frustrates the viewer. WHAT IS THIS FILM ABOUT?! Okay, flowers. Definitely flowers. There was Sigur Rós performing... then... they're huddled up for some reason... more flowers... boat driving... more flowers... hugs... Jónsi Birgisson sitting at a desk...
Secondly, it intrigues! Heima was released over a year ago, but it stands as one of the best documentaries ever made (so says the voters at IMDB, along with myself). The next film released by the Icelandic collective will no doubt be another gorgeous film indeed.
So check out the trailer for the latest Sigur Rós film, Við Spilum Endalaust, and make your own assumptions. But since this is only just a tease, wander over to Sigur Rós' Myspace, and prepare to be greeted by unprecedented sonic textures. For extra credit, find yourself a copy of Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust at your local music store or digital outlet. And for extra-extra credit, grab your very own edition of the Sigur Rós documentary, Heima.
As our young protagonist flips through his bulletins, sipping mindlessly through his cup of tea, he speaks aloud to himself... "Let's see, so what happened today? Hey, Catherine wrote her third survey. That's cool. That Dir en grey contest for their new album is almost through. I guess that's interesting. Oh great, another chain letter. *yawn* What else? PlayRadioPlay! is talking about the death of TRL? Eh, I don't watch MTV anyway... Let's see... The Scene Aesthetic releases new song..."
At this point is probably where our protagonist, and possibly you, would have spit his tea in shock. Well, if this were that sort of cliché type of thing. But this is unbelievable news indeed; certainly news worthy of beverage spitting! The Scene Aesthetic?! New song?! Is it possible?! Apparently!
If you've been out of the loop, The Scene Aesthetic - Seattle duo of Andrew de Torres (also seen in Danger Radio) and Eric Bowley - is a wonderful alternative-folk-acoustic-pop-duo thing who have been making glorious acoustic sounds for several years now. But Mr. Eric Bowley announced some big news last year: he's going to Argentina! Serving the heavenly lord, Eric Bowley went to South America to focus his life with some missionary work. But there are no break ups here! The two boys promised to come back with a vengeance as soon as Eric returned to the states.
Well, as it happens, Eric Bowley is prepping to return! He's due back in December, when a grandiose party will certainly be thrown. But how better for fans and listeners everywhere to also join in on the celebration than with new tunes? After almost a solid year of hiatus, The Scene Aesthetic has released their first brand new song! "Red Rover" is the name, quiet reflection is the game. In true Scene Aesthetic style, with just enough emotional embracement, subtle tones, catchy lyrics, and just a lovely song, The Scene Aesthetic reminds their dedicated fans, their hiatus was not the end; Eric's return shall mark a new beginning!
Man, looking at all those pictures on TSA's Myspace is a trip down memory lane... old fans know what I'm talking about. So what can you do, be you an old friend or burgeoning listener? Well, if you live up in Washington, don't plan anything after Christmas and before New Years, because The Scene Aesthetic is going all out for Eric's return-home party-concert! Of course, "The Alamo Is No Place For Dancing," but if you live in Plano, Texas, wander to the Plano Center on December 28th when The Scene Aesthetic will be showing love to their massive Texan following. If you're unlucky, and not living around the Puget Sound or the DF-Dub, rush on over to The Scene Aesthetic's Myspace, and listen to their brand new track, "Red Rover," right now!
Fanfarlo Sounds Like: Indie-Pop Drinking Buddies:Noah and the Whale, Tap Tap, Brown Recluse Sings
Synopsis: Carbonated quirk. Please shake contents for best effect.
Makes You Want To...: Dance ridiculously; Sing; Make a mixtape. [Myspace]
One week, one band. You know the drill. This week, the featured artist is Fanfarlo
When you're feeling up - happy - celebratory - you just want to... well... celebrate. You want to dance, you want to sing, and you want to prove to everyone who may see you, as awkward as that could potentially be, just how happy you really are. "Hey, world! That's right, me! The lunatic who's hollerin'! I am happy. I am happy and I know it, dammit. I'm clapping my hands!" Or something to that effect.
But when you're sad - when we get sad - logic may tend to go out the window. Some of us cry our little eyes out. Some of us write in countless journals/blogs, spilling our emotions into little symbols, which form alphabets, which for words, which form languages. And some of us turn off all the light, and lay in bed for hours listening to The Cure (that's when it's a very sad day. Preferably also rainy). I am confronted with such a scenario. With school-related stress mounting, stress from transferring mounting, life and other objects cursing me on a regular basis, and just my general unhappiness encroaching, I was in a bad mood.
Sad is it may be, there must be some sort of cure. There must be an outlet. Music has been the outlet for innumerable poets, and certainly the ample amount of music listeners who share a similar fate. I remember the days long past (that would be high school, for those too young - it'll make sense in 2-4 years) when I would become a recluse, entering the hovel of my room, and passing the day with Swiss Army Romance, "You're So Last Summer," and Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (I did sink that low, yes), not to mention a healthy dose of snack foods.
But lately, I've been trying a new theory, as opposed to begging to the broken hearted Daphne Loves Derby, or something of the like. Instead, I've taken the opposite approach: when I'm feeling down, listen to cheery music, and force myself out of my haze. Indie-pop has been a wonderful outlet, and since there's no lack in the genre, you have plenty to choose from. So, from one sad-now-cheered-up heart to thou who may be in need, or you average individual who's here for a neat new band, may I introduce, Fanfarlo.
I did say Fanfarlo. I am talking about the sextet ensemble from London. I am talking about the bubbly band, and the makers of eclectic, quirky songs. Fanfarlo is all about laying down some lovely tunes with their diverse musical line-up. Featuring everything from banjos, to saws, to accordions, and mandolins, the combination brings an even more wonderful sound to the musical table. Their songs are chipper and lively, and bring out the grand talents of the smiling faces and novel spirits in the band.
As it turns out, my weekend ended on a happy note. We'll blame it on the music, shall we? Fanfarlo has been playing music since 2006, and in the passing of the years, has slowly built up their collection of music through a healthy amount of singles. If you wander over to their website, you can snag some of these nifty singles for your anxious hands and eager ears. Their mixture of instruments of all shapes and sizes, their novel poetry, and their honest intrigue will be drawing you in like a magnet if you give them the opportunity. And you will not be disappointed.
Presently, Fanfarlo is packing their bags, for they are prepped and excited for their trip to North America, where they have a show lined up in New York City. But if you can't catch them while they're stateside, don't fret! They have a nifty live performance via The Black Cab Sessions! They have plenty of music videos as well, all of which can be found on their ever ubiquitous Myspace. Listen in - don't miss out - turn those frowns upside down, and of course, have a great week, reader.
The presidential election is neigh! Oh no, oh my! The economy is in shambles! Oh no, oh my! There are lions, tigers, AND bears located in your local zoo. Oh no, oh my! Oh No! Oh My! is in Europe. Oh No!? Oh My!?
Indeed, the Texan indie pop outfit known for their cunning use of mid-sentence exclamations and excellent music has crossed the pond, and is wandering around with the Europeans until Thanksgiving. For those lucky European readers, you'll definitely want to catch Oh No! Oh My! while they're around, because they certainly know how to throw a party.
I'll let the band say the rest:
"I'm sorry Otherpersonnotcurrentlylocatedineurope, we're in the midst of a love affair with the Europeans.... But hey, I've got something to say to everybody here. We have new music/songs. They are going to be released on iTunes and things of that nature on October 21st, collectively known as "Dmitrij Dmitrij". Tell your friends."
You better believe it! The long awaited - and much gossiped about - new album by Oh No! Oh My!, enigmatically named Dmitrij Dmitrij, now officially has a due date with no association avec Last.FM. So gird your loins, as they might - but probably wouldn't - say in England, and get ready for the release of Oh No! Oh My!'s latest, Dmitrij Dmitrij. And don't forget to drop by their Myspace for some neat songs, and those lovely European tour dates.
