Two bands to watch
With so many of my favorite bands/performers (i.e. The Shins, The Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse, Kings of Leon, Bright Eyes, Wilco, The Polyphonic Spree) releasing new material this year it is so easy to miss out on new up and coming artists. I have to admit, in January I listened to practically nothing else but The Shins Wincing the Night Away. The month of February and early March found me listening to nothing but the Arcade Fire’s Neon Bible (thanks to receiving a pre-release), and ever since March 20th, Modest Mouse’s We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank has taken up most of my listening time. I can’t seem to get enough of this album. During the few times that I’ve taken a hiatus from listening to that album, before I wear it out (if that is possible) I did discover a few other bands that are noteworthy.
The first being The Fratellis a 3 piece from Glasgow. Of course most of you have heard their song Flathead from the iPod and iTunes adds. Their first album Costello music was released on March 13th, and I have to say I liked the album immediately. Their sound is a cross between the Arctic Monkeys and The Clash, and at times Greenday (although that is probably just because they are a bass, drums, guitar trio). Most of their songs are catchy upon the first listen and they have a very memorable/hummable chorus’. Their lyrics and song structures aren’t breaking any new ground but their catchy, pop-py garage tunes do satisfy.
Another band, I just discovered this morning is The Noisettes
They are a pop/rock trio from London and their debut album Whats the Time Mr. Wolf was just released April 17. What makes this album stand out is the incredible voice of lead singer and bassist, Shingai Shoniwa. Think of Karen O with a whole lot of soul. You can currently stream their new album in its entirety at AOL’s full listening party.
