Archive for August, 2007
 I’m excited to bring you a first here on Shepizzle.com, this review marks the first review of artist/band submitted material reviewed on this site. Three hours ago I had never heard of Wax & Wane and now I am a fan, officially! Folk music has found it’s place in my ears and these guys were just good enough for me to want to recommend them to you.
Baltimore-based Wax & Wane is a collaboration of musicians Ari Schenck, Sine Jensen, Danny Costa, Justin Kwash, and Nick Podgurski. All but Mr. Podgurski are listed as lead vocalists, so you’re sure to get a good mix on vocals from song to song.
Wax & Wane’s latest releases Desert and Bay are vinyl EP’s that truly do justice to the Indie folk sound they have created. That sound includes a variety of acoustic instruments ranging from violin and cello to Hammond organs and harmonica. The guitar is gentle and soothing and the percussion is interesting and fitting. A sort of natural and organic tone pervades the recordings and I’m reminded of things more simple; nothing is rushed or hurried. Think of the autumnal sounds of the late Nick Drake.
Favorite songs include “Road’s After”, “I Really Need This” (hear it on Myspace), “My Friend Gene”, and “Whistler”. Look for more good stuff to come from these guys.
If you like Wax & Wane, try: Andrew Bird, Jose Gonzalez, Iron & Wine, and Sufjan Stevens.
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Looking for something different? You’ve come to the right place. 13 & God offers one of the most unique musical experiences. This German underground hip-hop group is heavy on complicated, stylized rhythms that start and stop in precise sequencing that begs attention.
Growing verbose? Sorry.
Electronic Underground Indie Hip-hop Rock
13 & God demands interesting labels like this to describe their sound. The unique voice is sometimes rap like while retaining classic sining choruses. Overall their sound lends it self to perfect late night listening. The quirky and sometimes technical lyrics are interesting enough to focus in on or space out to.
Because 13 & God pulls it’s inspiration from different genres (look for the bands Notwist, Oakland and Themselves) and different continents (half the band is German, the other half is American) the music is a melody of styles mixed to create something new and totally different.
Do yourself a favor and take a listen.
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 My wife tipped me off on these guys about a year ago. Since that time they have grown into steady rotation on my iTunes playlist.
The Appleseed Cast has been around for 10 years now and have released 7 full-length albums, their latest album is called Peregrine. They are true Indie rock that borders on ambient rock (try View of a Burning City from Low Level Owl, Vol. 1) at times. Many of their songs have long intros that build throughout and are very anthemic in their tone and progression.
I’m too lazy to do the actual math but based on the tracks that I have in my iTunes library, I would say that the average song length for an Appleseed Cast song is well over 5 minutes and that means there’s plenty of good music to listen to from these guys. One thing is for sure, these guys are among the dying breed of bands that still know what it means to jam.
The thing that I love the most about The Appleseed Cast is that they are good solid Indie rock but they never really get too hard. I can satisfy my need for rock even if I’m in a mellow mood. Favorite songs include ‘Fight Song”, “Fishing the Sky”, “Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets” and “Hello Dearest Love”. My favorite overall album of theirs is Two Conversations.
If you like The Appleseed Cast, try: Arcade Fire, Band of Horses, and Cold War Kids.
Here’s a special treat for you with this review, it’s a link to stream an entire Appleseed Cast concert. I haven’t actually seen these guys perform live, but this video is the next best thing. Post a comment or two to show your love!
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I can’t help but smile as I listen to Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, I try not to take them too seriously and I think that is how I have been able to enjoy their music. I mean with a name as bizarre as Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, you don’t really expect these guys to take themselves seriously, right? Wrong.
CYHSY has a sound that is as cool as… well, you know, something that is cool, like a surfer rock band that has been washed up on the shore and is maybe just a little bit on the waterlogged side. Frontman/singer Alec Ounsworth’s voice is very distinguishable and too be quite honest, I find it humorous and fun, others might just find it annoying. It really seems like he makes very little attempt to stay on pitch or to pronounce his words clearly. The music isn’t anything super special, mostly repetitive and simple, but it makes a good soundtrack for a day of wakeboarding at the lake. Just kind of laid back and fun, you know? I haven’t seen these guys live yet but the guys at You Ain’t No Picasso didn’t seem too impressed.
CYHSY’s first album (self-titled) was released in 2005 and has since been followed by Some Loud Thunder in 2007. Favorite songs include the first single from Some Loud Thunder, “The Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth”, and from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, try “Upon This Tidal Wave Of Young Blood,” “Heavy Metal,” and “Gimme Some Salt.”
If you like CYHSY, try: Cold War Kids, Architecture In Helsinki, Takka Takka, and Wolf Parade.
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 No they aren’t really scary, though they are an acquired taste. Being upfront about it, Scary Kids Scaring Kids aren’t for anyone. Duo guitars and electronic infused keyboard, Scary Kids seem like they are still finding a sound that is both pleasing with out compromising their unique sound. Though the topics of many of their songs still seem generic, they add a new perspective on the old themes. One thumb up, and one thumb down for them.
“What’s Up Now, My Darkest Hour” and “Faces” are some of their most popular songs. With only a 6 song EP and a recently released full album, The City Sleeps in Flames, they are just barely getting the ball rolling on their musical careers. Many of the people I have talked to about Scary Kids Scaring Kids only like a small portion of their songs, but with the improvement from their first EP to the recent album, it will be enjoyable to watch them move forward.
They are signed with the small Immortal Records, but still aren’t entirely pleasing and somewhat unstructured. I put the few of my favorite songs of theirs on my iPod, where they have a solid place for when I am in the right mood. They sound somewhat like Saosin, though I am hesitant to compare Scary Kids to such a sweet band. I just wish they had a more solid album, or were given more constructive criticism when they were recording. Though, the raw unaffected sounds they chose to have are what really makes them Indie isn’t it?
Give their music a quick listen and see if they are right for you, on their Myspace Page and on their homepage, Scary Kids Scaring Kids
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 Brett Dennen is a pretty excellent example of an Indie musician who is only concerned about doing what he does best; writing and performing his own unique style of music. His is chill folk rock, pop, and Indie. With his tall stature, giant moppy red-hair, he has a fearless yet unintimidating way of performing. As a singer/songwriter, Brett Dennen can play solo acoustic or with a small band.
Many people who like Indie musicians like the fact that they have full control over their music and generally keep it all original. Why we feel you will like Brett Dennen isn’t just because of his catchy and soulfully written music and not entirely because of his extremely friendly “big bear/soft hear” appeal, it’s because we just straight think he is unique. From his style, personality, performance capability, and music; this young kid is unique.
Brett Dennen’s music recommendations? Try out “Ain’t No Reason,” or “Darlin’ Do Not Fear.” Since everyone needs a good mix of music, try out Brett Dennen when you are looking for something a little chill.
On his MySpace page, you can not only hear his best songs, but actually buy and download individual songs.
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 Kaddisfly is progressive rock, so be ready for a musical roller coaster when you listen to them. Kaddisfly will take you to many different places and musical levels, all in the same song. True Indie rock musicians, Kaddisfly started off writing and recording their music at home and in a local studio. They tour hard, travel far, and love to play as many concerts as possible while they are out on solo tours. After recently landing a tour with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, they moved on to a spot on the warped tour for a bit and can usually be found touring with other Indie bands trying to share their music with the world.
Their live performances are better than most major label supported bands, and they still maintain full creative control over their music. Their first two albums were recorded and released independently, then they worked with the small Indie label, Hopeless Records for the their album (the best album they have made to date) called “Buy our intention; we’ll buy you a unicorn”. They kept their status with Hopeless Records (and Subcity Records now) for the fourth and most recent album, Set Sail The Prairie.
They wanted you to be affected by music and they live by the standard “Write, Influence, Change, Live”.
It’s extremely hard to put this band in a single genre. Their refreshing music changes between an during songs includes everything from hard metal to electronica, screamo and emo, ambient and more. They are purely entertaining. The lead singer has excellent vocal control on both album and live settings and the rest of the band is also obviously passionate about their responsibilities and the instruments they play. I recommend “Manhattan Loves You”, “Akira”, “Osmosis in C”, “New Moon Over Swift Water”, and “Eres Tremulent”. If you want one particular album to purchase, I would again recommend and endorse Buy Our Intention; We’ll Buy You A Unicorn.
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 Modest Mouse has been around for quite some time (since 1993) with several impressive records under their belt. Modest Mouse has revovled around Isaac Brock (vocals, guitar), Eric Judy (bass), and Jeremiah Green (drums) with other members added to the most recent album. These guys make up one of the most mainstream and widely popular Indie bands around. Sure they have a record deal with industry mogul Epic Records, but their sound is what Indie is, even after all these years.
What sets Modest Mouse apart from other bands in my mind is their seeming lack of disinterest with their own sound. Much of their music has a sort of laid back and lazy feel to it, they use dissonance to their advantage and many of the lyrics are slightly colorful with some humor mixed in for good measure. It really doesn’t seem like these guys have to try very hard to produce their unique sound, but the very fact that people love them so much proves that they have done their homework.
Their newest album, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, shows the maturity of sound that Brock, Green, and Judy have painstakingly developed. The first single “Dashboard” released from We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank is representative of the unconventional and at times irreverent Indie rock style that is Modest Mouse.
You’ve heard “Float On”, and “Ocean Breathes Salty” but seriously, I have too many favorite songs to list, so I’ll do it by album. Good News For People Who Love Bad News is an essential album for any Indie music collection. I also really like This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About.
If you like Modest Mouse, try: Wolf Parade, Califone, Spoon, and Bright Eyes.
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