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Monthly Archive for September, 2009Page 2 of 3

The Lush Contemporary Dream Pop of Polynya

Published
by
Kenny Bloggins
on September 23, 2009
in MP3
. Comments

l_66e24b9f0b954ba3b997e2512355b29a The Lush Contemporary Dream Pop of Polynya

A Polynya is an oceanographic term that refers to an area of open water generally engulfed by sea ice. The band Polynya do not provoke such imagery.

Rather, Polynya come to us from fun, friendly, and gorgeous North Carolina, and their sophomore effort Crop Rotation sort of evokes more of that same feeling. Polynya is a group firmly planted in neo-gaze, or what I call “second wave dream pop” or “shadow dream pop.” They don’t exactly emmulate, say, Slowdive or The Catherine Wheel, which is probably for the best anyway. Rather, the group sounds closer to collectives like Dirty on Purpose, The Aislers Set, or The Eaves, who take the trademark characteristics of shoegaze and dream pop, and transform them into something decidedly their own sound, replete with a contemporary gloss. All the while, Polynya feels familiar and welcoming in the most rewarding of manners.

I really enjoyed this record, because sometimes I don’t really want to hear insanely experimental noise jumble screaming at me from my laptop’s tweeters (despite the fact that The Decibel Tolls sorta strives to write about challenging music). Sometimes it’s nice to listen to a perpetually enjoyable sunny afternoon body of songs. Polynya does that well, while still maintaining a variance of moods, layers, and most importantly, cool noises dripped in reverb. This is no rehash, friends. Polynya are quirky, fun, and interesting dream pop for 2009, with a warm southern flair to boot. Totally worth your time to czech out.

Dig the kraut-ish feeling on “Fan Fiction” meshed with Stereolab-sugarry vocals. Definitely dig on the distorted autoharp tones and old school 4AD good vibes on “Fields.”

Crop Rotation is available now courtesy of the band themselves. Grip it here.

For fans of:  The Eaves, Velocity Girl, Aislers Set, Cocteau Twins

MP3 :::
Polynya – Fan Fiction
Polynya – Fields

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Oh, Hello! Broadcast “Mini Album” Now Online

Published
by
Kenny Bloggins
on September 23, 2009
in News
. Comments

l_dac8e7008fe04ade8cbddd938480c76a Oh, Hello! Broadcast Mini Album Now Online

Without any fanfare, Broadcast just released their first new material since 2005’s Tender Buttons, um, today. I was correct about the title, it’s called Witch Cults of the Radio Age. That’s the cover up there. And… it’s a collaboration with Julian House! House is, as you may know, not only the graphic designer for all of Broadcast’s album and poster imagery, but is also a member of Ghost Box “library music” powerhouse The Focus Group.

Though it’s a “mini album,” or EP, or “primer for proper forthcoming full length,” or whatever they’re categorizing it as, Witch Cults spans 23 tracks (though I’m sure some of them are segues and analog tomfoolery). Here’s a preview. Shit is space age!

This is going to be so good. I haven’t heard it in full, but I’m currently downloading it RIGHT NOW from Bleep. You should do the same.

Majorly stoked on the Columbus gig October 25. Perhaps the press pass fairy will pay ol’ Bloggins a visit for that one. Pretty please?

Broadcast & The Focus Group Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age:
1. Intro/Magnetic Tales
2. The Be Colony
3. How Do You Get Along Sir?
4. Will You Read Me.
5. Reception/Group Therapy
6. A Quiet Moment
7. I See, So I See So
8. You Must Wake
9. One Million Years Ago
10. A Seancing Song
11. Mr Beard, You Chatterbox
12. Drug Party
13. Libra, The Mirror’s Minor Self
14. Love’s Long Listen-In
15. We Are After All Here
16. A Medium’s High
17. Ritual / Looking In
18. Make My Sleep His Song
19. Royal Chant
20. What I Saw
21. Let It Begin/Oh Joy
22. Round and Round and Round
23. The Be Colony/Dashing Home/What on Earth Took You?

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[Photos + Video] Marmoset and Invaders, 9.18.09, Louisville

Published
by
Kenny Bloggins
on September 19, 2009
in Rockshows and Visual Aids
. Comments

marmoset3 [Photos + Video] Marmoset and Invaders, 9.18.09, Louisville

Two quick items notes. First, Invaders were amazing live. While on record, you could sorta pinpoint where they came from and where they’re going – a little shoegaze here, and little stoner metal there. Live, they’re something completely different. Invaders are not really anything. They’re not space rock, they’re not shoegaze… they’re vaguely rock and roll mixed with something sinister. Essentially, they’ve created a new sound. Not only is that a huge compliment, but it’s heartwarming to know that there’s music coming out of Louisville that is truly new. Invaders are a major force in this.

I color saturated the shit out of this video because that’s sort of the visual I have in my head when I hear their music. Plus, I think it looks cool – ya know, Exploding Plastic Inevitable, et al. Another good video shot by Lana-style:

UPDATE 9.21 – The videos have decided to unembed themselves, and I can’t figure out what’s going on. Totally weird and bogus. I have to go to work, so I’ll try to fix this later. In the interim, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/ateasegentlemen to view my videos.

Secondly, as usual, the photos are kinda shitty because our camera is kinda shitty. Lana was able to take a few really good shots of Marmoset, though. But ultimately, I need better tools. So Bloggins is saving up for a good SLR camera as we speak, and additional concert coverage on this blog will improve. I’m goin’ pro, ya’llz. And, best of all, you, the reader, won’t have to hear me bellyache anymore about it! Righteous!

I wasn’t able to get any coverage of The Harlequins because I’m a bad blogger. I was drinking beer during their set and enjoying myself. Sorry. But I will say that they are a good band, the singer wears rowdy stripped trousers, and you should see them. Very early Kinks-ish with a modern flair.

Marmoset played MY FAVORITE SONG off MY FAVORITE ALBUM (Record In Red – which Jorma, I believe, sarcastically described in a quick banter session as a “horrible album”) out of sheer happenstance. I was pumped:

UPDATE 9.21 – The videos have decided to unembed themselves, and I can’t figure out what’s going on. Totally weird and bogus. I have to go to work, so I’ll try to fix this later. In the interim, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/ateasegentlemen to view my videos.

Okay, I think that covers it. Oh, I got to meet Jorma after the show, and that dude’s rad. All the Marmoset dudes are rad, as they were cracking jokes and acting very relaxed and goofy throughout their performance. It was good clean fun. Thanks to everyone who came out! We had a pretty good turnout, and I’ll definitely be doing more shows at Skull Alley. Very nice place indeed…

marmoset1 [Photos + Video] Marmoset and Invaders, 9.18.09, Louisville
marmoset2 [Photos + Video] Marmoset and Invaders, 9.18.09, Louisville
marmoset4 [Photos + Video] Marmoset and Invaders, 9.18.09, Louisville
marmoset5 [Photos + Video] Marmoset and Invaders, 9.18.09, Louisville
marmoset6 [Photos + Video] Marmoset and Invaders, 9.18.09, Louisville

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Kanye Sez: Go See Marmoset, Invaders, and The Harlequins Tonight at Skull Alley in Louisville!

Published
by
Kenny Bloggins
on September 18, 2009
in General Communique
. Comments

fruitbatskanye Kanye Sez: Go See Marmoset, Invaders, and The Harlequins Tonight at Skull Alley in Louisville!

Yeah, so evidently the “Fruit Bats” are playing a “show” across town and some dudes are worried that they’re going to have to choose between our show featuring a band named after a New World primate and the other show featuring a band named after a winged rodent. That’s a bummer, man. So here, I’ll help you out.

Let’s do a little cost-benefit analysis. Is the cost of being a wuss worth the benefit of seeing some sweet Sub Pop gentle indie jangle? Didn’t think so – we’ll see you at the sick Marmoset, Invaders, Harlequins gig tonight at Skull Alley (map that shizz).

Door at 8 p.m., seven federal reserve notes. Awesome.

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Sic Alps Head to Slumberland, Drop New Single

Published
by
Michael Hansen
on September 18, 2009
in MP3
. Comments

l mansion

So many new artists have embraced the antiquated garage shtick that it’s hard to even call it a revival anymore. Sic Alps, on the other hand, have always seemed more like they were possessed by the era’s zeitgeist than simply paraphrasing it. Throw in some properly blended noise-pop and you’ve got us champing at the bit.

Now joined by Ty Segall, the band has released their first cut as a trio on Slumberland, one of our very favorite furniture stores record labels. The new 7″ is called L. Mansion, and it rules. Bombastic, snarling, and catchy as they’ve ever been, with nothing sacrificed in the process. The flip side features a gritty, all-business cover of Donovan’s stoner classic “Superlungs.” Awesome.

Congrats to these guys on landing an opening spot for Sonic Youth on their upcoming tour, as well a west coast romp with Magjik Markers. Expecting much more noise from their camp in the coming months.

L. Mansion is available now on Slumberland Records.

For fans of: Brian Jonestown Massacre, Times New Viking, Velvet Underground

MP3 :::
Sic Alps – L Mansion

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Oblisk – Weather Patterns

Published
by
Kenny Bloggins
on September 18, 2009
in MP3 and Praise and Malaise
. Comments

l_f9ff5c6f8d96cbbc46af5f6700dd8e31 Oblisk - Weather Patterns

I’m making it my personal mission, my top task on the action items list, to spread the gospel of Detroit quartet Oblisk. This is an amazing new band that, no exaggeration, might be the best American shoegaze group (and it’s gritty shoegaze) these ears have ever heard. I will do everything in my power to make sure these guys sell billions of records, and it’s a goddman travesty that this is not the case.

Anyway, there’s no need for any sort of overlong, overhyperbolic review for Oblisk’s Weather Patterns, despite the fact I’m wont to do such. The brass tacks of the matter is that Oblisk has crafted an absolutely beautiful record that both travels at high speeds above the troposphere and slithers within cracks in the earth. It’s odd in many ways that Oblisk hails from a decaying industrial metropolis. Sure, the minor keys, grimey fuzz, distant tones, and distorted vocals suggest a bit of an ominous environment. But Weather Patterns is packed with mystique and excitement – a record that wonders and wanders.

Oblisk’s loyalties are outlined with a line in the sand – this is new psychedelia. That is to say, this is not a group rehashing flower power like the Paisley Underground did. Oblisk is a group that synthesizes what’s good in psychedelia and adds an opaque gloss. Weather Patterns evokes pure Spiritualized-informed space rock, kraut a la Amon Duul, a touch of post-punk, darkly veiled and midtempo pop-oriented shoegaze in the vein of Medicine and Slowdive, and eastern mysticism (best exemplified on instrumental “Blue Iceberg”).

The epic “Tiger Fighter,” and I’m calling this right now, is the “Leave Them All Behind” of this decade. It’s fucking gorgeous and I don’t want to ruin it by yapping on about it. The song is available below along with one other sample (and it took me forever to narrow down my selection for sharing to two because the album is sick).

Buy this record at Candy Colored Dragon. Do it.

For fans of:  Slowdive, Deerhunter, Spiritualized

MP3 :::
Oblisk – Tiger Fighter
Oblisk – Epicenter

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[Contest] Grab a Pair of Tickets for Marmoset This Friday

Published
by
Kenny Bloggins
on September 15, 2009
in General Communique
. Comments

marmosetposterweb [Contest] Grab a Pair of Tickets for Marmoset This Friday

I know you’re already going to the Marmoset, Invaders, and the Harlequins show this Friday at Skull Alley, but if you haven’t RSVP’d yet on the FaCeBoOk event, I’d appreciate it if you went on and did that so I’ll know how much taco dip to make. But yeah, so you’re going and are probably stoked on it. How about upping the stokage by going on Friday FOR FREE?!

I have a pair of tickets that I’d like to give away, and this time I won’t even make you put forth any effort. This is a real freebie. Just leave a comment, a tweet, or shoot an email to kb (at) thedecibeltolls (dot) com sometime between now and Thursday at noon. I will pick a winner at random.

In order to claim, you must leave a valid email address or means of contact. Also, you must be in a reasonable position make it to the show on Friday.

MP3 :::
Marmoset – Lost Days For Ways
Invaders – Sinking Ship

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[Bootleg] Atlas Sound @ All Tomorrows Parties

Published
by
Kenny Bloggins
on September 13, 2009
in MP3 and Rockshows
. Comments

atlassound [Bootleg] Atlas Sound @ All Tomorrows Parties

Told ya the bootlegs would come fast. Yesterday’s Atlas Sound ATP set is provided below. Lots of new stuff, lots of jammage, lots of Bradford gabbin’ and trying to fix his shit on stage. Enjoy.

Also, my boi Nathaniel from IGIF is at All Tomorrows Parties NY right now (bastard) and he’s reporting that B Cox told the crowd later that night during the Deerhunter set that yesterday’s show will be the last for the group “in quite a while.” This might be disconcerting if you don’t consider the fact that “quite a while” in Deerhunter years probably means “a couple of months.” I’m sure attention will turn to Atlas Sound, Lotus Plaza, and whatever other side projects the dudes are instituting in the interim. Fear not (hopefully).

Logos is still set to come out on October 20, which will be a super Tuesday (new Tickley Feather and Do Make Say Think also drop that day), courtesy of muhfuckin’ Kranky. Considering how much free shit Bradford gives you, buy it when it’s out. Seriously, guys.

MP3 :::
Atlas Sound – All Tomorrows Parties, Kutscher’s, Monticello, NY, 9.12.09

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[Video] ‘The Monster’s Choice’ With Music By Lightning Bolt

Published
by
Kenny Bloggins
on September 13, 2009
in Visual Aids
. Comments

I just love this video that L-Train discovered the other night featuring music by Lightning Bolt. It’s beautiful through and through. The short sorta reminds me of The New Radicals video for “You Get What You Give,” except with a fun-loving monster bro, less bucket hat, and better jammage. Enjoy.

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Eric Copeland Goes Dumpster Diving on New LP

Published
by
Michael Hansen
on September 12, 2009
in MP3
. Comments

alien in a garbage dump
What exactly is the proper job title for Black Dice member Eric Copeland? Is he a DJ? A producer? That guy who forever fucked your hearing capabilities when he opened for Animal Collective? Eric Copeland is an artist who willfully contorts and choreographs samples (both original and appropriated) into pieces for his dragnet sound collages. Unlike much sample-based production, where bits are carefully drafted from hours of crate-digging and then plugged into a master design, Alien in a Garbage Dump holds a loose leash over it’s children. Elements coexist like creatures dropped in a fishbowl; often in competition with each-other, but occasionally moving in a strangely organic unison.

This new full-length on Paw Tracks is a synthesis of the Alien in a Garbage Dump and Al Anon EP’s, which were gradually constructed over several years of recording and revisiting jams. Those familiar with 2007’s Hermaphrodite should feel right at home with these new tracks, which seem to have no agenda to convert the masses but simply to reaffirm the faith of those already aboard. With no hope of conventional beauty, Copeland leads his deformed sounds to conquests of pure rhythm and atmosphere. The off-beat, helium-fueled dance of “Corn on the Cob” marries poignant analog chirps to a wheezing chorus that slowly shifts up and down to the hobble of the machine’s clicks and clacks. Sometimes, however, as the album jerks about like a radio scanning for a clear station, it arrives at moments of minimal resolve. Tracks like “Everybody’s Libido,” which employs a short verse of Spanish vocals played at various speeds and pitches, can feel more like exercises in context and contrast rather than finished songs. But although Copeland’s soundscapes can be frustrating, claustrophobic, and even menacing, Alien in a Garbage Dump is also home to some of his most ecstatic moments. “Auto Dimmer” lays down a late night 4/4 shuffle as a catchy B-movie synth circles above. A skronky keyboard riff hangs on the very edge of the beat, injecting bursts of movement into the hazy groove . Even in an increasingly noise-tolerant music culture, this is an adventurous listen, and that alone should have your earbuds watering by now.

Alien in a Garbage Dump is out now on Paw Tracks.

For fans of:  Black Dice, Gary War, Ariel Pink, Growing, Excepter

MP3 :::
Eric Copeland – Auto Dimmer
Eric Copeland – Corn on the Cob

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