With Thiessen’s mesmerizing voice, it’s clear to see that he is becoming quite popular amongst the blues rock scene. Contrast to Jack Johnson and the beachy vibe that his music gives, Thiessen gives you the same feelings, but also gives you accompanying substance to go with his well thought out lyrics. Recently showcased at Winnipeg Folk Festival, Elessar speaks from the soul within A Rainy Week In Paradise. With tracks like “Lover Dear”, painting a picture of the feeling of love, and waving between lapses of melancholy, Thiessen’s album speaks to the soul’s core. Combining the sounds of nature and soft vocal harmonies, A Rainy Week In Paradise makes you pair unexplained feelings and telescopes them with his descriptions in his lyrical genius.
Acclaimed band Boy From The Crowd recently debuted with their EP, “Where The Bees Come To Die”, and needless to say audiences will not be disappointed. Comprising of the duo of Vinny Pianna and Vegas Ivy, the combination proves brilliant. Vinny Pianna contributes as guitarist and keyboardist, and Vegas Ivy accompanies him on drums and percussion within Boy From The Crowd. Carrying an aura of blues and a dash of traditional rock and roll riffs, listeners will be content with the unique sound of Boy From The Crowd. The offbeat talents of Piana and Ivy finds fans on the quest of mystery trying to decipher soul from rock, and settling on the happy medium that the band’s sound delivers.
After spending three years working on Gemstone, Add Agency brings Gemstone Radar with a very intentional sound. With David Bowie and LCD Soundsystem influences, one can also hear a bit of grunge sound within the album as well. Will Mora , the one man genius behind Gemstone Radar wows listeners with the perfect balance of drums, guitars, and shoe gaze undertones as well on some tracks. With Mora’s sensual voice and intense lyrics, Gemstone Radar manages to set itself apart from new age grunge with a myriad of genres all in one album. Specifically, the track “Set Me Free”, effectively brings the world of grunge, shoe gaze, and glam rock all in one. Mora, for a one man band, you bring a lot to our ears.
Hi everybody! Let’s start with some housekeeping. If you don’t know, I, Zoë, started a new music blog called Sawdust and Gin. I post new music every day, though the posts are far briefer than what I write here. I also make a weekly podcast, and write longer pieces in the form of show, album, and vinyl reviews. Please follow me on tumblr/ Facebook/ Twitter! I also just began writing for Grimy Goods, you can read my first review of the recent Deerhunter show in LA, and there will hopefully be more soon.
Now onto the music. This week, I’ve randomly selected these three tracks from our submissions bin aka email inbox. Indie is not dead, folks, contrary to what some people might say.
The Hermit Kings – “Cashing In”
It’s summer o’clock somewhere, am I right? No? Because the southern hemisphere is in spring and the northern hemisphere is in fall and so that doesn’t make sense? Well it makes as much sense as “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” except at least that expression is true approximately every half hour. Well screw all that logic, and bathe in this bright and calm summer tune from The Hermit Kings. The guitars touch on shoegaze while drums have more of a surf rock tinge, and it all pulls together beautifully.
PS This band has their own Ed, Edd, n Eddy thing going for it, with a Zac, Zack, and Zach. I hope one of them goes by Z and another by Manuel.
If you needed your lush electropop fix, stop your scratching and take a listen to this. Jojee is very dramatic, which I’ll admit is not usually my thing, but the beats that she cuts together are magnificent and hard not to love. And of course, her voice is also gorgeous. “Unravel Me” is great, but be sure to also listen to her previous single, “Think of Anything.”
Remember that club scene in Black Swan? Or the entire movie Enter the Void? Or any other mind-altering movie experience? This is the universal score for all of that. This song is spatial, but has a rhythm, making it perfect to enjoy with or without visuals. Sophomore has his own aesthetic here, with the grainy maritime footage. Check out his other single, Outcry, here.
Find more information about Sophomore on his Soundcloud.
As my premiere post on The Music Court, I’m Toria and I love all things 1970s, memoirs, and musicians who sing from the heart.
With the band already in full swing on their first tour, Sydney Eloise and the Palms do not disappoint in their album, Faces. Being released by The Cottage Recordings September 22nd, the studio does not disappoint in the musical delivery of Sydney Eloise & The Palms and crafting the overall sound of Faces. Some have cited the band’s sound as 1960s inspired dream pop, while others could reference their sound as a blend of folk and modern music, with a dash of reflective soul. Tracks such as Gentleman, convey a sophisticated coming of age mixed with the perils of love. Despite the wonderful moodiness of such lyrical genius, the uppity ambiance and sound of the track casts the audience into an uplifted state of melancholy.
The Music Court 