Archive for February 24th, 2008

24
Feb

I Spy(ies) More Canadian Goodness

By Joe 2 Comments
Categories: Recommendations/Reviews

 

According to the band’s website, Toronto’s The I Spies:

…will lead the next wave of Canadian indie rock to new heights! Due for nation-wide release on March 11th, The I Spies’ full length debut, “In The Night”, is currently creating a buzz as a small-run release in independent record shops across Toronto. “To the City” and “In The Night”, The I Spies’ first double single is currently making waves on college charts across the country and on the internet. Canada is taking notice.

Their collaboration breeds an imposing sound. Robertson’s gritty guitar hooks scuzz up Kay’s strong pop rants, while Payne’s infectious bass melodies race alongside Saks’ machinegun-percussion. The music is urgent, tastefully abrasive, and unabashedly hook-laden. “In The Night” frames themes of urban claustrophobia and retro-futuristic disappointment with a grande-scale tone of cinematic escapism. This is indie rock at its absolute finest!

Who am I to disagree?  No one, so I won’t.  After listening today, I’m buying it hook, line, and sinker.  This album will be a indie hit.  Catchy, catchy pop goodness; post-punk guitar pop, reminiscent of early 80s British rock.  Call them the Canadian Interpol if you must, or the Canadian Franz Ferdinand if that further helps.  As someone who hasn’t gotten into either of those bands much though, there’s something I find more genuine in the crunchy guitar and hook-laden craftsmanship of what I’ve heard from “In the Night”, the debut from The I Spies (five songs are streaming at the band’s website, specifically here).  There’s an additional song at Myspace, although the sound quality isn’t as good.

Listen, and remember, you heard it first here.  Out March 11th in Canada.  Also, watch this space for a review of another new Canadian band, Modernboys Moderngirls, released yesterday February 23rd.

24
Feb

Those Drugs….

By Dave 3 Comments
Categories: Culture, Music and Recommendations/Reviews

US

Go downtown with the drugs in my body…

While attempting to situate my totally unorganized collection of digital files, I stumbled upon this track from Paris, France’s Thieves Like Us. (none of them actually stem from France though) They are relatively new to the Daft Punk meets New Order game and have only generated a few studio tracks so far. Local fashion label meets electronic music label Kitsune, quickly took interest in this trio, and over the course of the past few years, they’ve dug many acts I frequently come back to. I hear nothing but potential in their first single, ‘Drugs in My Body’. Repetitive robotic beats, an energetic bounce and the overall vibe that would have fit perfectly in ‘96’s Trainspotting or ‘99’s Go.

Thieves Like Us :: ‘Drugs in My Body’

Their video has that total youth exuberance feel to it that totally reminded me of the two above flicks. I’m thinking this was shot in Germany, maybe?

Chicago/Denver Concerts

12/31 :: HUM (Double Door, Chicago)

a

 

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