From the opening bars of their first single “Not Enough,” Sunjacket draws you into their world of layered, jazz-tinged syncopated rock. The Chicago quartet’s haunting harmonies sound like a cross between Adult Jazz, The Antlers and Grizzly Bear. The track, mixed/co-produced by Milagres‘ Fraser MuCulloch and mastered by Joe Lambert (who’s worked with Animal Collective and Pet Shot Boys) is the first of their debut LP Mantra, due out sometime this fall.
Hear “Not Enough” below.
Perhaps you may have heard of Glass Animals, the much buzzed about quirk-pop quartet out of Oxford. Last year they signed with Wolf Tone records, the label started by super-producer Paul Epworth (known for his work with Adele, Florence Welch, and Foster the People). “Gooey” is the title of their first EP, as well as the lead single off their debut album Zaba, out June 9. The compelling track uses atmospheric and reverberated sounds to create a unique sonic formula that will keep your head spinning. Stream below, along with the inventive remix from Gilligan Moss, the Chicago producer that is generating a lot of buzz in his own rite.
Glass Animals has a smattering of U.S. tour dates this summer, and DC peeps can catch them at U Street Music Hall July 8.
Every once in awhile, a musical composition comes along that catches you off guard and has the potential to completely alter the music landscape. Such is the case with Chicagoan Gilligan’s Moss’s single “Choregraph,” a song so distinct and variegated in style that it immediately commands your attention and calls for further listening. Syncopated rhythms and coruscating textures transport you to a totally unexpected and dazzling place 3:30 minutes in. Pick up a free DL of this intelligent piece of work via Soundcloud stat.
This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the brilliant artistry and musical genius of Andrew Bird. On November 12th he released new EP I Want to See Pulaski at Night, which is primarily instrumental save for the title track. Pitchfork describes “Pulaski at Night” as Bird at his best: “tightly crafted, lyrically witty, understated yet sophisticated” – and “stalwartly Romantic.” True, true.
A. Bird has a handful of tour dates coming up in December listed below, including a stop in Brooklyn. And how they’re not already sold out, I don’t know.
Half empty, half full
Cup runneth over
Horns of plenty, coffers full
We’re starting over
Upcoming Tour Dates:
12/6 Brooklyn, NY – Rough Trade NYC
12/9 Chicago, IL – Fourth Presbyterian Church
12/10 Chicago, IL – Fourth Presbyterian Church
12/11 Chicago, IL – Fourth Presbyterian Church
12/12 Chicago, IL – Fourth Presbyterian Church
12/16 San Francisco, CA – Congregation Sherith Israel
12/17 San Francisco, CA – Congregation Sherith Israel
12/19 Los Angeles, CA – Immanuel Presbyterian
12/20 Los Angeles, CA – Immanuel Presbyterian
Wild Belle — whose live show was one of the surprise standout performances I saw last year — is coming back to DC this Tuesday to play at U Street Music Hall. If you’re not already familiar with the Chicagoan brother-sister duo, I suggest you get acquainted as their brassy blues and reggae-inflected songs are not to be overlooked.
In “Another Girl,” vocalist Natalie Bergman croons about being “another experimentation.” Stream the torch-like track below and check out the official western-inspired video released last month if you’re so inclined. Lastly, DO catch the charismatic duo live if given the chance.
How this accomplished artist managed to slip under my radar until 2013 is beyond explainable — Andrew Bird, the classically trained violinist and one-man band originally from Chicago is a truly gifted musician. His brooding and improvisational vocal style is reminiscent of Rufus Wainwright. Thankfully through Indie Shuffle — who reposted the Four Tet remix this year — I’ve been introduced (better late than never?).
NPR describes his music as “an eclectic mix of gypsy ballads, jazz, folk and rock.” Interestingly, Bird also claims to rewrite his songs for the audience every night, which is apparent just by listening to a few different versions of his live tracks. I’m partial to the acoustic version of “Imitosis” below.
“Imitosis” is a track off his acclaimed 2007 album Armchair Apochrypha – and Four Tet does a nice job on the remix, keeping it close to the original with a slightly updated feel.
Stream his live concert from 930 Club circa 2007 over at NPR.
And if you’re lucky enough to be anywhere close to Bird’s upcoming tour destinations, do yourself a favor and go see this insanely talented man live.
Tour Dates:
7/25 Bearsville, NY
7/26 Bearsville, NY
7/28 Newport, RI
8/2 Happy Valley, OR
8/3 Happy Valley, OR
8/17 Sterling Heights, MI
11/14 Davis, CA
11/15 Santa Cruz, CA
11/16 Santa Cruz, CA
11/18 Arcata, CA
11/19 Chico, CA
11/21 Santa Barbara, CA
poetry in an empty coke can 