I think, therefore I listen. Here you will find a collection of emerging artists and under-appreciated music that should be shared with the world, as well as an occasional Chicago concert scene update.
If you were into the 80s soft rock/R&B style of last year's indie super-project Gayngs like I was, then you will go crazy for Active Child's new LP You Are All I See, released in August. LA-based singer/harpist/producer Patrick Grossi is clearly a man of many talents, and the way he layers his sultry choir-boy falsetto over enchanting harp strings, smooth electronic waves, and dark cavernous beats is truly tantalizing. Since the release of Curtis Lane last July, a remarkable but experimental EP with various styles on different tracks, Grossi has finally chosen his musical identity and very eloquently presents it on this new full-length album. These two tracks are a nice little sample, and he is actually providing a basically free download (for the cost of a tweet!) of "Hanging On," so if you like it head over to his website and download it.
He has been receiving quite a bit of attention in the blogosphere, aided by his association with the recently explosively popular M83 (also worth a listen), with whom he is currently on tour. I just discovered that they are actually playing at Lincoln Hall tonight, but it is sold out get over there and scalp some tickets!
Although these guys hardly need any press in their native UK or even in Europe for that matter, Bombay Bicycle Club has hardly received the attention they deserve Stateside. After their catchy and promising debut album I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose in 2009, their popularity erupted from London outwards, and they followed it up with 2010's soothing Flaws, a collection of acoustic tracks including a couple of lovely cover songs. But neither of these two notable albums foretold the release of their newest LP A Different Kind Of Fix this August, a truly brilliant masterpiece of indie rock. While tightening up some of the more raucous elements of their first album, they adeptly blended the best aspects of all their previous work, and there is not a single track that I would not STRONGLY recommend. The heavier rock songs are still beautifully coordinated, and the more melodic slow pieces are every bit as inspired and charming. I have not enjoyed a full album this much since Foals' marvelous Total Life Forever last year (still one of my favorites), so chalk another one up for the post-Britpop indie team. I honestly could not decide which tracks to share, but since these two were selected by the band themselves as their singles, I figured they are a good place to start (but afterwards you really must listen to the whole album, no joke):
Phantogram made a much-anticipated appearance at Metro last week, and besides knocking out the crowd with an intensely powerful show, they included in the show set the entirety of their new EP...
...which dropped today! These guys have accumulated quite a following in the past year or so with their debut LP Eyelid Movies, released in 2009 but only recently receiving the attention it deserves. Hailing from rural Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, the duo of Joshua Carter and Sarah Barthel have been collaborating on songwriting and composing for a number of years and have really hammered out a beautifully smooth operation. Their blend of electric guitar, keyboard, and heavy beats is reminiscent of the indie "psych pop" of the xx or Beach House, but with a more prominent hit-you-in-the-face style that alludes to Sleigh Bells but with much more creativity and tact. They trade off on lead vocals regularly and harmonize on different tracks, which keeps the sound interesting and showcases both of their talents as singers and musicians. These guys will continue to build popularity for the danceability and accessibility of their sound, as evidenced in the presence of their new single "Don't Move" all over the internet lately. In case you haven't heard it yet, check it out along with "Turning into Stone," one of my other favorites on the new EP:
