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On Your Mark, Get Set, Go, Miko and The Musket

22 Apr

Miko & The Musket

While Indie singer-songwriter extraordinaire Miko de Leon delicately croons for his listeners to “slow it down” in the single “On Your Mark,” this proves quite difficult when you do not want the infectious rhythm to end! But at least when the song ends you can always hit repeat, which I’ve done several times in the last hour. This is the case for most of the music released by de Leon’s band Miko & The Musket. The 7-piece Indie band exceeds what one expects from most Indie bands, for instead of falling into a consistent sound, the band provides diverse instrumentation and vocals that provide a diversity of sounds much like a variegated strobe light in a dark room. There is such richness in the multifaceted vocals, and this is only accentuated by the folk/funk/pop rhythms evident in each piece. Thus, in a sense, Miko & The Musket is genre less, a fascinating combination of a slew of sounds and rhythms that form a pleasant amalgamation of sound. This is perhaps best portrayed by the single mentioned above, “On Your Mark.”

“On Your Mark,” combines a fresh funky rhythm with creative folk harmonies. The song begins with an Americana funk sound much like that of Rusted Root. The percussion almost takes on a World music quality, and the band seems to ride the wave of many different types of rhythm. de Leon’s voice is like whipped cream: light, fully, and tasty. He blends well with his supporting vocalists – Molly McAdoo and Lannon Killea – who both provide fun fills – much like UK Indie folk. There are just so many catchy qualities of this piece, and it is difficult to not sing along or at least bop your head to the rhythm. The song falls off towards the end and quite literally slows itself down, but, much like the style of choral pop bands, rises back up into a culmination of sound and instrumentation.

Great piece by an up-and-coming Indie powerhouse in New York. Check out more about the band on its website, Facebook, and Twitter.

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A Lazer Gun Show from Brisbane

11 Apr

Hey Geronimo

 

In his epic War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy wrote “The strongest of all warriors are these two — Time and Patience.” This was particularly apt because it took an inordinate amount of time and patience to write this work, which eclipsed 1,000 pages! I mention Tolstoy’s quotation because I have not posted on The Music Court since February. It’s weird typing these words, greeted once again to the blank “Add New Post” canvas. When I started the Music Court several years ago, I made you – the reader – a promise that I would never produce rushed, unimaginative content. Every post would be structured with care. You have responded favorably by helping us reach nearly one million views since our creation. Over the past few months I was simply unable to concentrate on writing keen posts for the blog. Thus, minus the excellent contributions from our concert reporter, Mimi Hong, I have let the blog sit (and my emails pile up). I am excited to write that I am back, and to celebrate my first post since April and thank you for your patience, I have an excellent Indie Pop single for you to check out from a band hailing from Brisbane, Australia! 

Famous Apache Indian leader Geronimo once said, “While living I want to live well.” If I might be so bold, I’d like to add a component to this quotation – “live well” … and listen to great music. It should come to no surprise then that Hey Geronimo, the subject of today’s Music Court feature, is creating some top-notch, effervescent Indie Pop music that you should listen to … right now!

This sub-three minute jitterbug infuses upbeat rock elements with staccato beats and carbonated harmonies. These elements are all wrapped up into a loaded firework and shot off into the sky to explode with wild colors and shapes. And, like a firework, the music attracts the listener’s attention and doesn’t let go. Instead, it explodes in the ears of listeners like pop rocks. There is just so much energy in this song. The spacey electronics to the crashing drums are both incredibly effective. It’s an excellent release from an up-and-coming band.

Hey Geronimo released its sophomore EP back in November and has since been touring the new EP (Erring On The Side of Awesome) throughout Australia. The band has found permanent residence on several music charts seemed primed for break-out global success.

Follow the band on Facebook or Twitter. You can also check out its website.

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Up Fanno Creek with a Paddle – A Band on Its Way

3 Feb

Fanno Creek

One of the definitions of the word monument is “something venerated for its enduring significance.” It is also the title of Portland Indie-Rock staple Fanno Creek’s new album, and one listen to the band’s music proves the definition apt. A beloved sing-along band in the city of roses, Fanno Creek is ready to spread its arms and fly over the musical waves of all 50 states and beyond … and maybe soon become a monument. While I am admittedly overwhelmingly kind on the Music Court, I reserve the 50-state praise for the bands I feel are ready to spread rapidly, and this trio consisting of Quinn Mulligan, Evan Hailstone, Dane Brist is more than ready.

Bands that depend on harmonies need to maintain a closeness that other bands may get away with lacking. Fellow Northwestern harmony-kings Fleet Foxes formed by way of two long-time friends. Fanno Creek shares a similar tale. Evan Hailstone and Quinn Mulligan knew each other in diapers and started making music together in their mid-teens. In college, the duo expanded to include drummer Dane Brist, and after several incarnations formed Fanno Creek in 2009. Since then, the band has toured the local circuit, forming a loyal following of music lovers who know good tunes when they hear them. With Monuments, it is time that the word spread.

“On My Way” is a quintessential example of why I cannot stop listening to Fanno Creek. The song starts with an infectious harmony pasted over a pounding singular drum. The vocals are intricate. The incipient harmony leads into a pure layered vocal over a gospel clap, an element slightly unconventional to Indie/folk music but quite refreshing and unique. Brist’s drum is not far behind, and it crashes into a culmination of symphonic sounds and this majesty diapason of harmonies and electronics. It is a wave of sound. It’s just really damn impressive!

“Trilithon” is my second favorite track on the album, and while ostensibly it expresses similar qualities to “On My Way,” the reverberating drum and swooning harmonies (and soft vocal howls) almost sound Beach Boys-esque, and this adds a whole new element to the music.

So … you know what to do; spread the word of Fanno Creek to all of your friends!

Check out the rest of the album at Fanno Creek’s Bandcamp. You can follow the band on its Facebook and Twitter.

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JULY CHILD – Contagious Summer Sounds

31 Jan

Do you remember the first time you heard The XX’s debut album? There was something so effortlessly cool about it. It wasn’t so much about what The XX tried to do, but more about what they left out that made it so special. It was minimalistic, and purposely quiet, but at the same time it was contagious and demanded your attention. Fancy experiencing that all over again?  Enter ‘July Child’ – The North London duo have already released three single tracks, and are set to release their debut album later this year.

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(Photography by Chris Hoare)

Amber Clara, and Kiyon Samavat have not followed the generic, and often false path into the music industry. This is a grass roots project, and all songs are produced and recorded through their own music label – Paper Thin Records Ltd. July Child are all about hard work, and most importantly they are about creating a sound which means something to the both of them. They romanticise some of the most important human emotions, and experiences, through their own delicate and vulnerable lyrics.

The first release, ‘Liquid Form’, for example, is about letting your guard down to someone special and not holding back – ‘with a guard so low, my heart releases’. Amber Clara sings the haunting lyrics, whilst they sit upon a mid-tempo electronic backing track, composed by Kiyon Samavat. ‘Liquid Form’ encapsulates why Kiyon and Amber work so well as a duo. The song identifies the individuality of both the artists, yet exemplifies how their sounds complement one and other.

 Their second release, ‘Electric Chair’, is a stripped back acoustic single. The exposed approach corresponds perfectly to the pain that is behind the song – ‘be my electric chair, hold me down, and burn me to the ground’. Like the great Stevie Nicks, Amber Clara’s voice is able to depict the pain and helplessness felt from within the emotion of this song. Kiyon keeps the backing track to a minimal, allowing all ears to rest upon her effortless vocals.

Sometimes the true genius and originality of a band is tested the most when they attempt to do a cover. It is at this point they allow themselves to have a comparison, and this very quickly opens the flood gates to critical opinion. However, July Child’s cover release of dance hit Le Youth – ‘Cool’ has proven to be a huge success. So much so, even Le Youth himself sent them his approval via Twitter. With the number of plays continuing to rapidly grow on Soundcloud, July Child’s latest track is proving why they are the epitome of everything that is exactly how they sing it, ‘Cool’.

These three tracks are only a small taster for what is to come from July Child. Their fans will now have to patiently await the arrival of their debut album. In the meantime, Amber and Kiyon will be preparing for live sessions, as well as working hard on even more material. Keep posted on all things July Child via their Twitter page

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(Design: Craig Black)

Ryan Martin is NOT a Hard Man to Love

20 Jan

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Ryan Martin is a musician’s musician. Originally from Los Gatos, California, Martin, a soulful singer-songwriter, moved to New York City and since the move has done everything possible to keep climbing the mountain to reach the musical zenith. Music is often viewed from the rose-colored glasses of the listener. We don’t realize how assiduous and indefatigable musicians need to be to get by in the industry. To succeed – well – it often seems impossible.

But when you have the ability you just know that you must stick at it and do what is necessary to drive yourself forward. It is the one instance of artistic intransigence that is essential. Martin has worked as, “a former pipe salesman, doorman at a tourist bar on Bleecker Street, mover of furniture, bar-back at a debauched Chelsea bar, campaigner for impoverished children, and cash register operator at Trader Joe’s” (Facebook page). He has slept on couches and in his car … until he had to sell it. All of this led up to his debut release – For All the Beautiful Losers – and the tireless effort put into getting to this point seems well worth it.

The album features a dozen delectable tracks that feature sincere depth, wayworn lyrics, and Martin’s gravelly, southern soul vocal. The music plays with several elements – combining the sultry sound of summery country with deep soul and eclectic piano. It is euphoniously complex. I enjoy music that hits you at all different angles, and Martin’s tunes do that.

“Hard Man to Love” lays down a concise rhythm over an effervescent keyboard. The track moves like an Amos Lee piece, slow but sure. The pre-verse guitar riffs are keen. The vocal is tight. There is some swooning country. There is a taste of sweet harmonica. The song is just so rich. And, if you hadn’t had enough, Martin employs a falsetto and strings to end the piece. Very impressive.

“Little Tramp” is just as complex as “Hard Man to Love.” Martin interweaves horns and guitar effortlessly, but still maintains this country-esque feel – almost like a Jay Nash piece. The music is just so enjoyable to listen to. You want to put the piece on repeat. Heck, there is even a little Springsteen in this ditty. Well done!

Track Martin’s work on his Facebook or Twitter. Check out the album on Bandcamp.

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