Hopefully 2019 is treating you well so far. Musically I couldn’t be more excited. Here are some great things I’ve been hoarding.
Enjoy!
#1. Pedro the Lion. “Phoenix”
Following a 15 year dry-spell this Seattle Indie band has decided to grace us with a new album. The hand of frontman and creative force Dave Bazan could not be more present or more welcome in this piece. Known for his meticulous and dark lyrics with a somewhat cheeky emotion Bazan shows off his talent in spades. Listening to this record will give you a burst of nostalgia, but not in a cheap Disney way only remaking old things that you used to enjoy.
Much of the focus of the songs are towards things like childhood, teenage ennui, and a burgeoning emotional and spiritual apathy. I can’t fully express why I’m so excited to see the return of Pedro the Lion to the indie scene, but as a Canadian it would be akin to the Constantines or the Stills making a musical comeback which would put my maple syrup over the moon.
Bazan brings a much needed emotionally mature venerability with a beautiful blend of distorted guitars to a glitzy and self possessed music world. Give it a listen.
Personal highlights:
“Yellow Bike“, “Quietest Friend“, & “Model Homes“.
#2. Broken Social Scene. “Let’s Try the After (Vol. 1)” l.p.
Canada’s resident indie super-group/ front runners for most members in a band award have decided it’s time to huddle round the creative bonfire yet again and give us a short 5 song tease.
Much of their familiar flair for multi guitar soundscapes and clever rhythms is present. Good signs for any potential plans of a longer full album release from this cabal of musicians. Who knows what exactly volume 2 will entail, but one thing for sure it’ll be a curiously appealing melodic ensemble.
Personal highlights:
“1972“, & “All I Want“.
#3. Body Type. “Body Type EP”
Last up is a four piece hailing from Sydney. Body Type are a fresh face making what I would describe as pop shoe-gaze but you can actually hear what the singer is doing. Hoping to take the Australian music scene by storm their release EP isn’t a bad place to start.
Featuring catchy guitar lines, some fast bass work, and steady drums to hold everything together. Body Type are here to plant a tune in your head and not let it escape easily. Hopefully they keep up the pace and continue to refine pop music for the better.
Personal highlights:
Keep up the awesome pace 2019!
Thanks for stopping by
J.
2D-Music 