The first week of May provides an opportunity here to feature three bands I've recently profiled in The Deli Magazine.
Brooklyn's dark rock band Tyburn Saints released their new EP "You and I in Heaven" on March 27. Containing four original tracks, songs like "Broken Bottles" alternates bright guitar figures against synth lines evoking peak 80's era U2 and The Cure. The lyrical tone and subject matter lean more towards the later, however. "Last Time I Sing For You" positions a solid drum beat central in the mix, allowing shards of strummed guitar bursts to dance left and right through the stereo field. While title track "You And I in Heaven" reference a similar 80's pop-goth vibe, it's overall spirit leans more towards Bowie/Psychedelic Furs elements.
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New York City quartet Vaura have just
released their debut album "Selenelion" via the Wierd record label. Lead track
"Vanth" combines a number of elements, demonstrating a higher than average level
of songwriting and musicianship. Dark, echoed vocals over a medieval plundering
beat gives way to near prog-rock interludes. "Obsidian Damascene Sun" (offered
as a free download at their bandcamp) takes the propulsive drumming and hyper
guitar strumming of black metal and pairs it with slower, more melodic,
lyrically intelligible vocals. This is a formula that could create crossover
appeal to those who find certain aspects of pure black metal a bit too
harsh.
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Stepping out of their roles as supporting musicians, drummer Sam Levin (Sea Sick, R Stevie Moore) and guitarist/vocalist Indigo Street (Jolie Holland, Gregory Sauner of Deer Hoof) have a new project called Shy Hunters. Tracks which can be found streaming on their bandcamp demonstrate a keen sense of songwriting at work. "Time Bomb" emphasizes tomahawk drum stomps as rhythmic base, while alternating spoken word and sung vocals are further enhanced via multiple guitar textures. "Stained Glass House" sticks with this musical formula of a structured drum pattern providing sole rhythmic foundation, while vocal melodies soar along complimentary guitarlines, creating a lovely romantic atmosphere.
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always great to hear about new bands to check out!
ReplyDeleteYeah, these up-and-comers all have recently released some interesting new stuff. Part of a "dark wave" that is forwarded to me from The Deli (because they know I'll get into it).
ReplyDeleteVery nice as always Dave, I like so much Stained Glass House,cool song, makes me feel that i'm dreaming... :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, that was the one entry that was more "dream pop" than actual "dark rock"
ReplyDeleteGood to know you like that one, Paty!
i join william's post here. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's what I do here (and there) - spread the word about new music. Just press play on those audio links provided, and then see if my words match up with what you are hearing.
ReplyDeleteGreat review again Dave, I quite like "Stained Glass House"!
ReplyDeleteYeah, that Indigo Street sure has a pretty voice, doesn't she?
ReplyDeleteReally loving Tyburn Saints- the whole cure/early U2 vibe is very cool- Lots of good albums/EPs with You & I in the title lately eh?? I hear a bit of Joy Division too in them (Love will tear us apart), and his voice sounds a bit like Ian McCulloch
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts on that band, Will. I totally hear your references. Yeah, "You & I" is on a bit of a roll, lately ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnd let's not forget the Yes classic from those golden prog rock yesteryears.
But yeah - Joy Division - Bunnymen - I love all that stuff.
cool review Dave!
ReplyDeleteinteresting band name
Well, there's actually three band names there - so I can only guess at which one you found the most "interesting." ;-)
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day - a band name is only as good as the music said band plays.
Hey Dave...once again, thanks for introducing me to some new music. Really digging the Tyburn Saints...can definitely hear the Cure, Bunnymen, and even The National. Good stuff. The Shy Hunters song is pretty good also...liking Indigo Street's vocals.
ReplyDeleteAh, very cool Davey.
ReplyDeleteNot surprised you like that whole 80-90's alt-rock sound, as we share many similar tastes. I like that you also mention a band I wouldn't think of - that being The National.