New To Know: The Zookeepers + The Pearl & The Beard

The Zookeepers

There is a level of cheekiness and experimentation found on each track of The Zookeepers new album Good Looking Out. There is a lot of sound piled into this record but the New England quartet holds off on mashing everything together and making it real loud like a lot of bands do these days. Instead, they nibble at synth pop, silly punkishness and really simple piano driven indie sounds. Gula Gula comes off all chill but they play around with it just enough to tease your ear. Lady Gaga is an ADD romp through sampling and hooks that plays a bit like a nervous breakdown, but in a good way. How do they pull all of this off without coming off as aimless goofs? They know music. They are comfortable enough to play around and adventure without getting lost. There is room to tighten up their sonic mission but as a way to get themselves out there Good Looking Out gives you a good sense of their skills.
Lady Gaga

The Pearl & The Beard

It is with great embarrassment and even greater pleasure that I am just now posting anything on Pearl & The Beard. They've been making their way into my playlists for a while now and are just about to release God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson so I simply must bring you into the loop. The group has truly grown into a lush and nuanced indie folk group and this album shows the refinement and craftsmanship that has become the hallmark of a Family Records production. P&TB incorporates some traditional folk components like accordion, accapella chorus and simple string accompaniments with excellent results. When wrapped in their strong lyrical delivery each song achieves soul warming status even in the sadder songs. Pearl & The Beard has already come quite a way as artists and if God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson is any indicator the group's evolution holds a lot of promise.
Oh, Death!

New To Know: The Fools + Lookbook + April Smith

The Fools

The Fools are a Brooklyn duo that, upon first listen, took me back to the early days of Righteous Babe Records, Lilith Fair and Tracy Chapman. When good strong female singers tapped a soulful vein but weren't afraid to really rock out. Jen and Uchenna first met at Rutgers U but they didn't start playing music together until they both moved to NY after college. With Jen on guitar and Uchenna on bass they've matured into quite the bluesy duo. It's not terribly complicated just earthy and enjoyable. The duo currently gigs all over NY so if you're in the area be sure to check out one of their shows.
Good Day

Lookbook

This group is my new obsession. Everything about their high energy synth pop sits well with me. Its got the essential spaztic bump to get a dance party reved up and the kind of clean power vocals that you can't help but jump in on the action. The Minneapolis act consists of Maggie Morrison, rocking the lead vocals and Grant Cutler, on the "beats." Morrison has a direct line to the pop greats of the 80's. Her vocals croon and sail over the dream electroscape created by Cutler's instrumentals. If I were to actually reveal the number of times I've blasted Wild At Heart and danced around my apartment I'd be exposing a little to much of my crazy chic underbelly than is appropriate on this here blog. But, trust me, it's a lot.
Yesterday's Company

April Smith

Toms River, NJ is responsible for yet another fantastically addictive talent on the scene right now. April Smith, like her fellow Riverians River City Junction, has a penchant for up beat good time music. The girl's got pipes; the kinda of vocal strength that allows her to carry off a flawless retro swing sound while still instilling it with a distinctive indie pop freshness. She comes from the kind of hippie/ folk rock up bringing as I but she's managed to use that rootsy influence to ground her music in a classic appeal. It's the confidence in her voice that keeps her music from simple mimicry. She just did a grand Daytrotter session but here is a track of her new album Songs For  sinking Ship.  

Colors

New To Know: Wakey!Wakey! + Tom McRae + Fink

Wakey!Wakey!

Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said The Last Time I Saw You... is the long awaited first full studio album from Brooklyn's Mike Grubbs a.k.a. Wakey!Wakey! After cutting his teeth with a free covers album (something that I have parsed and spread through numerous mixes and playlists), a live album and an EP --not to mention a slew of gigs and a spot on One Tree Hill--Grubbs has really refined his sound achieving stellar status on my indie pop scale. Numerous times, while listening to the album, I found myself paused by his lyrical prowess. Often anchored by his piano playing on previous recordings the introduction of more complicated arrangements on AEIWISTLTISY only serve to build the emotion in each song. The Oh Song mans up with the addition of a burly male chorus while Take It Like A Man weaves in the shrill of the violin to push it off the starting block. It is a great "beginning" for Wakey!Wakey! one that is sure to be followed by even more touring so be sure to catch him when he pass through your surrounds.  

Twenty Two

Tom McRae

Some folks with musical chops interpret the burden of such talent as a calling to fuss and refine until every element of their product is perfect. Tom McRae is no such artist. He is the kind of musical talent that takes great delight in the process; prefers to bask in the experimentation and possibility. On his fifth studio album Alphabet Of Hurricanes his product is the direct outcome of quite a bit of play and shaped by a lot a bit of craft. It's a mixed bag -- as one might expect -- Me & Stetson representing his pop sensibilities whereas American Spirit is a little more alt country. Despite the scatter the assortment is enjoyable as a whole mostly due to the thread of joy in the creation that is found in every track.
Out Of The Wall  

Fink

There is a steady cool to Fink's music that plays off so cleanly you feel as though you're listening to lead man Fin Greenall's private musings. Without hiding behind all the wit and wile of many of today's artists he plays it as it lays. Having spent a number of years as a DJ dabbling in trip hop and acid jazz it isn't surprising his recent work tends towards the understated. With Fink he has been focusing on a slightly more traditional approach to songwriting. The spectacular Distance And Time has a folkier waft while last year's Sort Of Revolution marks a happy medium between folk and acid jazz. The tracks maintain the cool Fink has come to be known for but there is an touch of soul that cannot be ignored. The title track from Sort Of Revolution spreads smooth crooning vocals over a minimal, but propelling, arrangement. The rest of the album plays out in a similarly chill manner making this the perfect soundtrack for your wind down time.
Sort Of Revolution

New To Know: King Expressers + State Champion

King Expressers

First, tricky riffs grab you. Then, horns swell around you and before you know it you're full sucked into the funky sway of King Expressers. This Brooklyn group originally came together in Accra, Ghana and have drawn influence from soukouss - a melding of afro-pop and caribbean rhythms - to bring us this feel good brand of music. The smooth vocals roll over the up beat horns and dare you not to hit repeat. This is the kind of music you play to turn a sour day around.
Real True Story

State Champion

In need of a little raspy southern dive bar rock? Then get a dose of State Champion. Wearing the whiskey dampened traits of classic alt country they fill Stale Champagne with tracks reflecting their gritty roots and proudly imperfect sound. The group's southern fried enthusiasm marks every note on this record. Lyrically they do a fine job cutting a swath through expected territory; family, love & drinking. Building phrases like "tattoo the words forget her where my feather used to be," that intrigue and drwan you in. I have a sense their live show wears much of the rowdiness captured on this homemade record and I hope to catch it soon. Until then I'll be keeping Stale Champagne on my playlist.
Come See What I Have Done

New To Know: Galapaghost + Let's Say We Did + Good Shoes

Galapaghost

The ukulele has been popping up in indie music with increasing frequency in the last year or so. Usually the tool of twee-ish cutie crooners wanting to up the plucky appeal of their songs. Galapaghost, the brainchild of Casey Chandler, is ukulele centric but more assertive than we're accustomed to hearing. Don't get me wrong, this is far from thrasher ukulele. The lyrics are sigh inducing and the arrangements plod along with just the right amount of quirk. Throughout Our Lost Generation Chandler's voice is the factor that keeps Galapaghost away from sticky sweet territory. While in the higher ranges for a few measures he flexes some range which keeps the music grounded. You're All I Need is prime fodder for a mixtape for your crush while Lost Generation may very well find itself in a sitcom montage. Great weekend listening for you.
You're All I Need

Lets Say We Did

Let's Say We Did are definitely coming from rock and roll roots, mostly of the mid-seventies variety. On their new EP the Swedish group brings the clean lines characteristic of their retro inspiration into the now by fuzzing out the high end and pushing their bass to the front. This isn't complicated music making and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I find it most enjoyable. Follow Me Down has enough going on instrumentally to make multiple listens reveal a little something new each time while the lyrics are simple enough to get caught in your head. Its a good start for this Swedish group and I look forward to hearing more from them in the future.
Follow Me Down

Good Shoes

These boys gots lots of energy. The music that makes up their new release No Hope, No Future has the aggressive percussion and jangly guitars essential for good dancing music. Exploring the boundaries of a distinctly indie punk tradition Good Shoes dabbles in the disco realm on Under Control and slows things down to indie pop ballad range for City By The Sea. The arrangement on City By The Sea is deceptively delicate, the product of a group applying an impressive degree of intention to their work. Each track has something to offer and when listened to (and considered) as a whole further depths are revealed. I will admit I am fully addicted to this album and really hope a trip to the US is in store because the live show has got to be incredible.
Under Control

New To Know: We Are The Willows + Motorbikes + Sunset

We Are The Willows
It takes a man dedicated to his art to cast aside social norms, embrace this childlike voice and see what it can do. Peter Miller is such a man. First begun as a side project (Miller is the front man of Red Fox Grey Fox it now holds its own very distinct place in the musical goings on. Miller captured sounds from all over the Twin Cities; the whoosh of the light rail, birds chirping, etc. Matched with his tender and reflective lyrics to create an album that is really a aural tour through his world. Miller's voice is unique (just listen to it and you'll know what I mean) and throughout A Collection Of Sounds And Something Like The Plague it makes pleas, confessions and wails that highlight its intricate potential. I really cannot wait to see We Are The Willows live now that I have had the album on reply pretty consistently for the last two weeks. I sense there are even greater depths to them live. 
A Funeral Dressed As A Birthday
 

Motorbikes
This group is tight and delightful and fun and needs to start putting out more material stat. Fronted by a chap named Paul (who's from Arkansas btw) Motorbikes isn't working to push new sonic horizons rather to create delectably smart tunes. Each a nice little package that sits well in your ear but also offers space for your mind to wander. They have one album to get you started but I'd like to politely request another soon.

Two Tempos

Sunset
I had the real pleasure to catch the fellas of Sunset a few weeks back at the Weather Vane Music fundraiser. While there was already an undeniable good vibe humming through Johnny Brenda's that night these guys brought their own up tempo good times. There are a whole mess of bands bringing back the classic 70's rock sound with varying degrees of success. When it comes to their chilled out instrumental riffs Sunset places themselves near the front of the retro pack. They carve out some distinction with well written and more modernly indie lyrics and vocal performance. Playing with echoey effects at times and dabbling in breathy ethereal delivery at others. I think we shall be hearing a lot more for this Austin band in the tens.
Green Truck

New To Know: Brazos + Anders Ponders + Sergeant

Brazos
There is something so casual and smooth about this Texas trio that makes their music ripe for the movie soundtrack picking. On tracks like For So Long Now, the vocals are parsed from the instrumentation in a way that lends it feeling of a lilting conversation. Then in a quick turn to Kid they push out an appropriately playful arrangement while maintaining the story telling lyrical approach. This music is constructed with a engaging intent and intelligence that, as a whole, reads like a landscape witnessed from the passenger seat during a road trip; every element unique but threaded together by proximity and the familiarity of the frame. They are out on tour with White Denim (including a stop in Philly on November 13th at Kung Fu Necktie)
Day Glo

Anders Ponders 

There isn't a single second in Anders Ponders' new album Nodes Of Overtones that isn't completely nourishing for your soul, ears and heart. This Minneapolis artist possesses a pure wit which leads to some incredible turns of phrase (see the Discus Incident) and when combined with his lush instrumental arrangements causes your cheeks to blush with excitement. Ponders explores mythology, astrology and opera with a whimsy and curiosity that are undeniably evident in this collection of seven ditties. Building from a viola base Ponders creates intricate arrangements of instruments and vocals to wrap around his words and ultimately his audience. This will undoubtedly be on my winter soundtrack and I unreservedly demand you give it repeated listens to, please. Nodes of Overtones is out on the 10th.

Pomegranate


Sergeant
To round out this edition of NTK I give you this grand Scottish quartet. Influenced greatly by classic UK pop they boys of Sergeant have clean instrumental lines and simple narrative lyrics suggesting maybe the slightest country leanings. Choosing to avoid building the next epic pop ballad instead they include just enough guitar, percussion and vocals to achieve their goal placing them out in front of a mess of bands muddling trying to include all the catchy/trendy/jangley components they can get their hands on. The music Sergeant is making is good clean fun that will take you back to simpler times. Toss in their self titled album and clear your head. They are yet to make it over to the US but if your luck enough to be in the UK they're all over the place for the next few months.
It All Comes Back To Me

New To Know: So Many Dynamos + Backwords + Sunny Day In Glasgow

So Many Dynamos
This Missouri foursome is addictive. Their music goes deep; catchy at first listen, witty and alluring on the second go 'round and finally, as you listen to it even a little more closely you note the complex proficiency. Its is a pop-punk influenced by the mechanized beat of video game soundtracks. Their bio aptly calls them spaztic but with the amount of attention they give to creating chord changes that catch you off guard and phrasing that separates them chaos to what I would call intentional spaziness. Give them a listen. I'm sure you'll find something that will hook ya. They are also on the road (mostly east- including a CMJ stop on the 22nd) and you know you wanna see this live.
New Bones
Backwords
The best way I can describe Backwords music is to say they mosey. They mosey through western, lo-fi, folk, pop sound to create a easy on the ears & light on the soul. They skitter on the edge of any single definition while avoiding getting too caught up in the traditions of any one genre. For many groups this would mean a jumble of musical ideas landing all of the place. Backwords, however, manage to pull in these assorted inspirations to create a consistent sound fancied up with truly enjoyable lyrics worked in there. Now that this Philly/Brooklyn based group has a firm grip on their sound I look forward to seeing how/if they push it in new directions.
The Beggars And The Bread
Sunny Day In Glasgow
This Philly band's shoegaze music washes over, under and around you. Ethereal and sweet they evade any abrupt or disjointed musical transitions. Instead layering airy loose guitars & synths with fantastic dreamy lyrics. SDIG makes the kind of tunes I'd listen to while studying, were I still in school. Alas I am not in school but still really love these guys. They have a rotating list of band members some appearing on both record and live while others simply show when they can. Still, they manage to convey their intricate arrangements whether there are 4 or 8 people involved. I consider them a stellar example of the variety of incredible music coming out of Philly these days. They are about to adventure around the East and midwest ending up home at Johnny Brenda's on December 15th.
Ashes Grammer/Ashes Math

New To Know: Fitz & The Tantrums + The Drums + We Were Promised Jet Packs

I'm feeling a little retro with this week's NTK picks.
Fitz & The Tantrums - Breakin The Chains Of Love


I have been hoping someone would champion the return of good Motown soul sound so when this gem was delivered to my in box I'll admit I was as giddy as a school girl. There is a lot to enjoy in Fitz's sound. There are danceable melodies and easy lyrics to sing along to and it all leaves you feeling that much happier. Fitz's vocals are smooth and truly reflect the feeling of the era he is trying to replicate. I cannot wait to see this act live and hear what else they have to offer.

The Drums - Let's Go Surfing


This video when I first saw it struck me as a nice trip back to the halcyon days of The Beach Boys and beach blanket boogies. Now, I'm not saying The Drums are of Beach Boys quality but there is certainly promise there and they can really create a wholly enjoyable and smart aural experience. As a project by a couple of best friends it is pretty easy to understand where they draw the "fun" that is undeniable in their music. They will be releasing their Summertime EP on September 15th with a full album dropping sometime early next year.

We Were Promised Jetpacks - Ships With Holes Will SinkThese boys don't really fall in my retro theme but anyone who has been reading TWIAPC for a while knows I have a total weakness for Scottish bands. I had heard WWPJ a little last year but it wasn't until I gave a good bit of ear time to These Four Walls, their most recent album, that I realized they wickedly talented. Much like Frightened Rabbit they are capable of building a song from an initial balladish melody into jangly epic pulse racer. Their drummer provides a strong slightly frenetic beat to which loud but tight guitar riffs are added and subtracted to fit the phrase of the song. They are addictive and I'm really looking forward to seeing them in October when they pass through town. Download These Four Walls and listen to the full thing. Its all good. **photo courtesy of Neil Thomas Douglas

New To Know:Mando Diao + River City Extension + Mark Mallman

Mando Diao
I have quickly become addicted to this posse of Swedish lads. They create a punchy pop sound that over the course of their existence have smartened up and acquired a wee hint of Motown rhythm countered with a skotch of southern edge. There are quite a few delectable tracks , The Wildfire or You Can't Steal My Love. Its the kind of music you put on when you have some intense ya-ya's needing to be danced out. You can hear bits of their next album, Give Me Fire, on here but the Gloria, employs some early wall of soundesque lady background vocal. I Wanna Dance With Somebody makes you want to do just that. Go acquire any and all Mando Diao you can get your hands on and try to spread the love so that they may stray in their extensive European touring to come state side.



River City Extension
This is another group that immediately left a big impression on me. I wrote about them briefly a few weeks ago after their lead singer played a moving solo set with Dinosaur Feathers. Then... I listened to their album Nautical Sabbatical. This entire album is a pleasure to listen to. They cover some good genre ground from the soundtrack friendly Its No Ha Ha to the banjo picking awesomeness of Clever & Quickness its layer upon layer of rollicking good music. There are a whole slew of folks who contribute their skills to build RCE's layers, which means there are more opportunities than usual for things to get messy; however, it stays within the lines to push its way into your heart and keep yers feets a stompin. I'm beyond anxious to take in their live show, which of course I'll report back to you diligently.

Mark Mallman
When I first saw Mark Mallman live I was a sophomore in college and he was insane. He screams he is in your face and at times I thought I was witnessing a breakdown. I saw him many more times over the course of my college career (he is a Twin Cities artist and they love to play the Cave) and after a while I realized there was definite method to his madness and my fandom was cemented. He popped into the main stream when his side project Ruby Isle released their full length album last year to wide praise. But his solo work deserves as much, if not more attention. He has an album coming out so he will be doing a whole bunch of touring [including PHILLY!!!! on Sept. 22nd] it is now your duty to go out and experience the whirl wind that is Mark Mallman. For your enjoyment here is the video for Invincible Criminal,a single of his new album, as well as one of my fav. older tracks Knockout on 22nd

New To Know : Floating Action • Mama Bear • Drug Rug

Here is the second edition of New To Know where I point you in the direction of some newish bands that I've been digging lately. Get your shovel ready cause you're about to join me
Floating Action - Silver LiningThis group of fellas just floated (I couldn't resist) a new bunch of covers out in the indie music ether. They touch on Pepi Ginsberg, Beck, Little Joy and this simple take on Rilo Kiley's Silver Lining. For some reason it just keeps getting caught in my head. Their take on M Ward's Absolute Beginners is another fav. They are on Park The Van's label and incidentally Park The Van is in need of your support. They are asking people to purchase something from their online store to get them through them tough times. Floating Action"s Versions would be a good place for you to throw your cash towards this good cause.

Mama Bear - You Make Me Feel Like Hips
This is one of those groups that is just simply really really good. The first time I heard You Make Me Feel Like Hips I was sucked in to the Brooklyn twang (a varietal notably different from the true southern variety but no less enjoyable and distinct) and simple adoring lyrics. After chasing them down and hearing a bit more I'm pleased to report its all this good. I'm hoping to lure them down to Philly this fall so, as always, keep checking the concert listings. (sketch by Mike Applebaum)

Drug Rug - Never TellThese two have a corner on 70's-ish feel good pop vibe. Without getting too lovey dovey about it they are making tunes you can sing along to as well as. Hannah Please (which I like for more reasons than my sister's name is Hannah) has an interesting distortion effect on the vocals that softens what would otherwise be a shouty punkish track making it fit in to the rest of synthy experimental album. They will be in Philly at Kung Fu Necktie on August 15th and their album drops on July 28th.


The Chop - It's Never EnoughI can't really put my finger on what it is I like about The Chop. The vocals, curious instrumentals and loops are, of course, notable and successfully set them apart from the masses. But, usually that's not enough to get more than two listens out of me. Mehbee its their overall playfulness, appreciable quirk factor and the potential to be great live that keeps me interested. You give it a listen and let me know what you think.

New To Know: One For The Team • Ida Maria • Swimming In Speakers • Chris Garneau

I have been on a new music spree lately. I don't know if its a matter of me really digging through all the emails to find the gems or simply pursuing some of the tidbits that cross my path whether it be via Twitter, myspace or suggestion I'm always ALWAYS interested in new music. There's a lot of new stuff I want to share but I'm going to break it down for you in a few installments in hopes of making this a regular feature.
One For The Team - First, a band the hails from my hometown of Minneapolis, One For The Team is a quartet that has done a very nice job for itself grabbing the attention of MTV producers (they popped up on an episode on Real World: Brooklyn) and regular audiences alike. After giving their new album, Build A Garden, a listen its easy to see why. The vocals, provided by Ian and Grace are in sync enough to sit well in your ear but distinct enough to lay well on top of the indie pop instrumentals. Give them a hear they may just be your new favorite band.
Best Supporting Actress

Ida Maria -
I got the absolute fucking pleasure to see Ida live at Bell House in New York a few weeks ago and felt my heart go pah pitter. I had heard, and very much liked, her sassy punky tunes prior to the show but watching her perform the layer of vulnerability and realness behind such songs as Oh My God and Keep Me Warm became far more apparent. Shes ballsy brash and in your face. Her lyrics are simple and manage to cut straight to the heart of some sentiments I have often felt myself. Ahem, "you think I'm in control?" Get her stuff. ALL OF IT. And when she's near see her. I'm uber giddy to catch her at Monolith this fall. Here is a bit of the actual performance I caught.

Ida Maria "Oh My God" Live at the Bellhouse NYC from AbzPunkPhoto on Vimeo.

Swimming In Speakers - Swimming In Speakers first EP is the product of a home recording project by two friend's in up state New York. The result has a little indie softness countered by a bit o' pop synth with a whole lot of potential. The beautiful harmonies are lulling but literally just a hint off the beat so you are pulled along through the tightly woven tracks.
In Knowing

Chris Garneau -
Personally, I'm a generally more of a ninja girl so when I read the title of Chris Garneau's single No More Pirates I couldn't resist. I happily categorize this as a song that lives up to its awesome title. The rest of the material on his new release, El Radio, is also exceptionally good. Its a delightful romp through interesting syncopation, peppy piano, haunting strings and playful lyrics. He's from Brooklyn so hopefully he'll be dipping down Philly way soon.
No More Pirates