Chase This Track: Local Natives - "Sun Hands"

Silverlake, California's Local Natives are a band I recommend you keep a close eye on in the coming months. I recently heard their song, "Sun Hands", and was instantly enamored. They have this tight 3-piece harmony (read: Fleet Floxes) thing going on. Apparently Local Natives have already completed the recording of their debut album. Yet to this point, the album is unnamed and they remain unsigned. With songs like "Sun Hands", I would expect some smart indie label to snatch Local Natives up very soon.


Local Natives - Sun Hands

Welcome To: Chasing The Sirens

Welcome All My Fellow Indie Music Lovers!!!

As you should have now noticed, I have recently changed the name of this blog to Chasing The Sirens. In an effort to relieve any confusion, I wanted to let you know why I have changed the name of this blog and the inspiration behind 'Chasing The Sirens'.

As early as I can remember, one of my favorite sounds was that of the siren. It sparked in me a want to know what the sirens were for and find the action. I have very distinct memories as a boy of hearing sirens in the distance grow in intensity, multiply, and move ever closer. Ask my mom about this and she will tell you the same stories....as she was just like me! With my Radio Shack plug-in scanner by my side, I would listen intently for all the details of this emergency call.

But it did not stop there. In my mind, the logical next step was to find the action or more accurately find the fire. Many times my mom and dad and I (and my brothers) would jump in the car and chase the sirens. I remember driving all over our surrounding neighborhoods doing just this. One expression often heard in these moments was "I think I smell smoke!" Although many times we came up empty in our search, I have vivid recollections of chasing the sirens and finding fires. On one particular New Year's Eve, our neighbor's house caught on fire when a log rolled off their basement fireplace. Not even the shin-high snow nor the sub-zero temperatures could keep us from chasing across the big field that separated the houses. We would not be denied all the particulars of this unexpected incident.

So now, as a 30-something adult, I still love 'chasing the sirens'. In many ways, my love for music (specifically indie music) leads to similar encounters. A great song is heard and immediately the chase is on to know more about the song, the band, the style, etc. I don't stop until I 'Find the Fire'. I want and need to know all the particulars of great music that is so unknown to the majority of people.

So there it is...Chasing The Sirens.

My hope is that after visiting my blog you will be onto your own 'chase' after hearing some really great and under-appreciated music.

Thanks for stopping by!

Derek

Du's Cut of the Day - Sunnybrook - "Waving Hands"

Continuing with music that kindles nostalgia and longing, here is a track from Denton, Texas artist Sunnybrook. Listen to the song and tell me if it doesn't quickly hook you with its acoustic guitar picking, layered harmonies, and those handclaps. Sunnybrook's debut album on Lefse Records will be out in the Spring of 2010. Sunnybrook's sound has been compared to...Any guesses???

Sunnybrook - Waving Hands

Du's Cut of the Day : Revolvers - "Apocalypse Surfin'

Going to post one newly discovered song everyday. These will be cuts that are at the top of my rotation. I won't say much on these songs but will hope to hear your opinions, good or bad.

Unsigned Toronto band, Revolvers, craft a lo-fi Beach Boys sound on this song, "Apocalypse Surfin'. As another summer winds down, savor the warm (or maybe really hot) days with this gem.











Revolvers - Apocalypse Surfin'

Weinland - "Sunken Eyes"

When your lead singer has a voice that gets comparisons to Neil Young and a band chemistry that is undeniable, chances are you will get some recognition. Such is the case for Portland, Oregon indie outfit Weinland. Led by John Adam Weinland Shearer, Weinland chart their course through the americana, folk, and alt-country musical landscapes. If you can imagine Neil Young doing his best Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) imitation, you are closely approaching the sound of Weinland. La Lementor was Weinland's first LP and was released in early 2008 to outstanding reviews. Their second album, Breaks In The Sun, is out now and is also very highly recommended.

Ironically, my brother Chip and his wife Audrey just had the opportunity to catch Weinland live in downtown Portland at the Muddy Boot Organic Festival. Sounds like fun and something my wife would have really enjoyed too (keyword: organic)! Maybe Chip and/or Audrey will let us know more about Weinland's show at the festival.

Here is the exceptional first track from Breaks In The Sun:

Weinland - Sunken Eyes

Finally, here is a video of them playing "God Here I Come" live from their album La Lamentor. I chose this video because it displays both the band chemistry and the humorous side of lead singer Adam Shearer.

Atlas Sound - "Walkabout (w/ Noah Lennox)"

One of my favorite summer anthems is easily Atlas Sound's song "Walkabout" off the upcoming (Oct. 20) album, Logos. Atlas Sound is the solo project of Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox. His first album under the Atlas Sound moniker, Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel, got excellent reviews. The sound can best be described as very distinct songs with hazy atmospherics. However, the new song "Walkabout", which happens to feature Panda Bear's Noah Lennox, has a poppier feel to it. The song has a definitive Panda Bear sound to it with the Beach Boys like harmonies. Further, the high-pitched organ loop adds much to the song and has a way of bringing you back for more and more. We will soon find out if the rest of Logos will be of a similar sound....I certainly hope so!

In the meantime, take a listen to "Walkabout":




Atlas Sound - Walkabout (w/ Noah Lennox)

A.A. Bondy - "I Can See The Pines Are Dancing"

Continuing in the singer-songwriter vain, another artist that is frequenting my speakers of late is A.A. Bondy. On his second album, When The Devil's Loose (released on 9/1), A.A. Bondy continues the rootsy/alt country style of his first album, American Hearts. Although Bondy, in my opinion, is reminiscent of an early Ryan Adams, his songs tend to be slow, or more accurately, unhurried and deliberate. This is not a negative as the words and emotions in each song are fleshed out and clearly evident. I'm fairly certain if you give a listen, you won't be disappointed.



Here is one of the faster songs from When The Devil's Loose:

A.A. Bondy - I Can See The Pines Are Dancing


Also, an excellent cut from his first album, American Hearts:

A.A. Bondy - There's A Reason

 

Langhorne Slim

Do you all know Langhorne Slim? I am wondering how I could just now be discovering this guy. Just heard his new song (from his upcoming and newest album), "I Love You, But Goodbye". This folk singer was born as Sean Scolnick and is originally from Langhorne, Pennsylvania (near Trenton, NJ). Pretty sweet name and one that sticks. It reminds me of another guy they called 'Slim' who I got to see play with Portland's Pagan Jug Band. Anyway, Langhorne's songs sunk their teeth into me from the beginning. He reminds me of a mix of Josh Ritter and a little-know artist from Montana named Aaron Parrett. Great songwriting with a nice blend of sounds and instruments.

Langhorne Slims newest album, Be Set Free, releases on September 29th.

Here is the video for his newest song, "I Love You, But Goodbye":



Here is one of the excellent songs from his 2008 self-titled album, "Restless":


Langhorne Slim - Restless

Obscurity Observed: Henry Pedro

Today I am starting a new section called Obscurity Observed. My aim in these posts is to reveal songs/artists long since forgotten, 1000's of miles off the radar, or just entirely under-appreciated. One of my thrills in regards to music, is hearing old and yet timeless stuff that is atypical of your run-of-the-mill classic genres.

With that said, I will break in this section with a song from Henry Pedro. I first heard this song on xm radio and it immediately stood out. After searching and searching, I do not know anything about this guy they call Henry. I do know this...Almost immediately, the song sparks memories of finding some unknown artist's record in my parent's cabinet, dropping it onto that old RCA record player, and hearing the scratches as the needle cuts its way across songs that will forever be etched in my mind.



So here is the song, "Midnight Sun" by Henry Pedro:

Henry Pedro - Midnight Sun

J. Tillman - "Year In The Kingdom"

One of the better singer-songwriters I have discovered in the last year, J. Tillman, also happens to be the drummer for indie favorite, Fleet Foxes. Yet in listening to his solo albums, it becomes quickly evident that songwriter he was first. J. Tillman returns with his fifth album, Year In The Kingdom, due for release in September. In comparing the few new songs I have heard to his last album, Vacilando Territory Blues, the sound has improved and his excellent voice stands out all the more. J. Tillman's music is most appreciated in a quiet setting coming through a nice pair of speakers or headphones. This guy has some talent and will most likely garner some much deserved attention for Year In The Kindgom.

Take a listen to the title track, "Year In The Kingdom":


J. Tillman - Year In The Kingdom

Family Portrait - "Mega Secret"

In an effort to find the more obscure in the indie world, I stumbled across another nice lo-fi group. The band is Family Portrait and I admit I don't know very much about them at this point. After scouring the internet, I know that they hail from our Nation's capital and Ridgewood, New Jersey. The Family Portrait frontman is Evan Brody. They are part of the Underwater Peoples Records label, also out of D.C. On their Myspace page, the band describes their sound as: "an underwater sound vessel of rhythm, blues, and community." That is the extent of what I know about Family Portrait. Don't think they have a proper LP at this point...but will be paying close attention for one in the future.

The song is called "Mega Secrets". You can listen to it here:

Family Portrait - Mega Secrets

The Cave Singers - "At The Cut"

It has been over 5 weeks since my last post so it is high time we get back to some good indie music!

















 


Here is a brand new song from Seattle indie folk band, The Cave Singers. The song is "At The Cut" and is from there newest album, Welcome Joy, which was released on August 18th. Often described as a type of neo-folk, The Cave Singers' songs build upon themselves: simple guitar work and drums combined with unique and often intensifying rhythms make for a very interesting listen. It is certainly a group to check out if you are not familiar. I have my brother to thank for introducing me to The Cave Singers.


So take a listen and enjoy!


The Cave Singer - At The Cut

Kurt Vile - "Overnite Religion"

2009 has been yet another impressive year for the lo-fi indie scene. Artists such as Ganglians, Woods, Bill Callahan, and Wavves (to name a few) have released outstanding records this year. Unfortunately, even within the indie blogging universe, many of these bands remain under-appreciated. Nonetheless, the lo-fi sound has been in constant rotation at Du Indie Music with yet another name now included.

Lo-fi songwriter Kurt Vile-and lead guitarist for indie band The War on Drugs-has moved into the Du Indie Music radar with a new song from his upcoming 3rd album, and first with Matador Records, Childish Prodigy. Vile's first two albums Constant Hitmaker and God Is Saying This To You?, released in March of 2008 and March of 2009 respectively, were well-received by indie critics.

Here is how one blogger describes his music:

Past works have been mostly characterized by psych-pop filtered through hushed bedroom-folk atmospherics, but the man isn’t afraid to occasionally flex his ability to write stone cold anthems.

Yet Kurt Vile's music has remained relatively unknown. With his recent signing to top-notch indie label Matador (The Caves Singers, Pavement, Shearwater), and an expected debut release in the Fall, one would likely think that his music will garner more attention and interest. For the sake of great music, let's hope so!

Here are two Kurt Vile songs. The first track is "Overnite Religion", just released and from his upcoming album Childish Prodigy. The second is from his 2008 album Constant Hitmaker and is titled "Freeway".


Kurt Vile - Overnite Religion

Kurt Vile - Freeway

Ganglians - Monster Head Room

About two weeks ago, I posted about Ganglians and my growing intrigue after hearing one of their songs, "Valiant Brave" from their debut LP, Monster Head Room. I have now had the opportunity to listen to the entire album several times (8 and counting). As you can see on my sidebar "Du's Top 25 of 2009", Ganglians' Monster Head Room has risen to the top. This album is full of some fantastic harmonies and this is the foremost reason for its climb up my list. I am a really big sucker for the Beach Boys-like harmonies that have been popularized by some indie artists (Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear, Panda Bear, etc.). In fact, for this reason, Panda Bear's 2007 album, Person Pitch, was my number one album of that year. Yet Ganglians' album is in a different vein than these quite popular indie bands. Monster Head Room combines these rich harmonies with a lo-fi pyschedelia approach resulting in a a unique albeit gorgeous album. An album that reveals itself to you with continued listens, Ganglians' Monster Head Room is an album that should not be ignored. I don't see it moving off its perch at #1 on my 2009 list.

Here are two more of my favorite songs from Monster Head Room.

Ganglians - Lost Words

Ganglians - Cryin' Smoke

New Blitzen Trapper Video - "Black River Killer"

Portland band Blitzen Trapper's new video for song "Black River Killer" is an impressive one to say the least. Full of nifty cinematic tricks, the video augments quite well the storytelling nature of this song.

Meanwhile, Blitzen Trapper continue to work on their follow-up to 2008's Furr.