The Decibel Tolls

Louisville and the surrounding area considers itself a regionally and culturally ambiguous area. There’s probably truth to that. This mindset definitely yields some undeniably unique artists and groovy tunes that will rip open your mind with good vibes. It’s about time to highlight some of the music in the area that brings engaging cosmic riffage with a hint of colloquial charm. This is the first in an ongoing series of features. Here’s the first taste…

I’ve been meaning to write about Tiny Fights forever – at least since they debuted on the shortlived podcast back in May. This Louisville/Lexington collective straddles the median between driving motorik krautrock and crushed-lo fi freak folk bruisin’. These guys are next level. They fly on tattered and gnarly magic carpets, chiefing on the doom fire. Sonic warriors in every respect. I’m excited at the prospect of collaborating with Adam from Tiny Fights sometime in the near future (czech yo’ email, homes). “What’s Mine” is the club banger for the Sirens of Titan. Keep up with live shows on their MySpazz. (photo credit to Matty J @ Picasso)

Tiny Fights – What’s Mine
Tiny Fights – Passing Music For Trees

Idiot Glee was mentioned earlier this week, as he’s playing our show on Friday. I felt it was totally unfair to simply describe his music as “Brian Wilson incarnate,” because it’s so much more than that. Sure, James Friley belts out the distant harmonies coming from 50 fathoms under the sea as Wilson did (and Panda Bear and City Center currently do). But the unpolished cadence and hypnotic loops are what really makes Idiot Glee distinct, keeping the sun-bleached psychedelia slightly askew at all times. Friley slays all the chillbrocore artists (i.e. Neon Indian) that the blogosphere’s currently chubbin’ for. This shit is solid, and I can’t wait to hear the full length. And James… keep the production dusty and warm. Shrouds of mystery are what’s happenin’. Hear more on his MySpazz. (photo credit to James’ FaCeBoOk lolz, as captured by Jamie Lazich)

Idiot Glee – It

I’ve already discussed these groups in depth, but it’s worth noting again that Invaders and Phantom Family Halo are still the some of the best of Louisville. They are the monsters of folk. To the max. The Halo is touring with Russian Circles this fall, and are probably coming near you (if you’re a Yank). Go see about them. Invaders continues to come correct on the hashish sludge garage pop. They make Times New Viking look bushleague (and I like TNV a lot, no disrespect). And how fucking convenient… you can see both bands at Al’s Bar in Lexington on November 19. Epic. Both respective groups’ albums are available on heavy vinyl from local label Karate Body.

Phantom Family Halo – These Flowers Never Die
Invaders – Sinking Ship

Speaking of Phantom Family Halo, Softcheque is opening their album release show at Lisa’s Oak Street Lounge on November 25 (Turkey Day Eve). They exist hard in positive chillspace, cultivating a sort of live, art-damaged trip-hop teeming with good vibes. Think of them as Blues Control with pretty vocals, or a more sparse Broadcast/older Stereolab. Czech it, and if you’re in the area, RSVP to the event. I’ll be there style:

Pax Titania is like Silver Apples in the sense that PT’s Christopher Cpreck keeps the wrecked retro-futuristic electronic vibe thick by way of nothing more than homemade electrical equipment. See?

That’s DIY, son. It’s true beauty in dissonance. Pax Titania builds just enough tremolo-saturated structure to make shag music, yet just enough sonic distraction to appease the most post of post post rock talismen. No MP3s right now, but you can head over to his MySpaceTimeContinuum for a sample. “Terminal Implant” is a cut and a half.

Perhaps now would be a good juncture to share with you all that my own bedroom recording project, Meridian Signals, is now on Amie Street and Band Camp, which I greatly enjoy over MySpazz. Go see ’bout it (self-promotion lol). Just did a cover of Status Quo’s “Pictures of Matchstick Men” that Nathaniel at IGIF described as the fuzziest thing ever. It made mommy tear up.

Alright, until next time…

Oh, and if you’re in the area and feel you fit the description of… what did I call it? “Engaging cosmic riffage with a hint of colloquial charm,” I think. Yeah, so if that’s you, feel free to shoot me a submission at kb@thedecibeltolls.com. No Grizzly Bear weenie shit, though.