As we reported back in June, Shana Halligan has moved on from her work in the trip-hop duo Bitter:Sweet and found fertile soil – most of it European – for her sultry vocal stylings. Halligan, who has spent the past year collaborating with the likes of Nouvelle Vague, System of a Down’s Serj Tankian, Thievery […]
There is retro-pop that’s retro first and pop second, and there’s retro-pop that abides the song over aesthetic. On “Try Again,” the new single from Nicholas Ruth, the L.A. composer-songwriter doesn’t tumble into any production morass; he merely lets his Motown mojo take over, and to great effect. Ruth is the former guitarist/backing vocalist in […]
On the town tonight: ‣ Swedish new-new wavers the Sounds headline the Wiltern behind their new album “Something to Die For.” That’s their video for “Dance With the Devil,” above. Funeral Party and the Limousines support. ‣ Chicago quartet Company Of Thieves, their new album “Running From a Gamble” out earlier this year, visit the […]
It’s been a long wait for Lissy Trullie’s full-length debut. Her EP “Self-Taught Learner” was released just in time for her to be grouped in to the batch of notable females linked to fashion such as Little Boots, Ladyhawke and La Roux’s Elly Jackson in 2009. But unlike the other three, Trullie will be the […]
L.A.’s Family of the Year never seemed comfortable with staying inside the lines that separated the genres of folk, pop and electronica. But within that rebellious songwriting, hooks have never been a problem for the band whether they came forward with raw, harmony-laden ballads such as “Summer Girl” or explored Euro-disco soundscapes with jams such […]
There is no doubt that Sabrosa Purr is one of the most-shredding rock bands around L.A., but it’s interesting to see its members try new sound palettes and continue exploring. In addition to Mahsa Zargaran’s project Omniflux, fellow band members Angie Mattson and Jeff Mendel have also been making music together as In the Valley […]
WIM did not fail to impress us when they were one of the many bands to represent Australia last month during Culture Collide, and we’re glad the invasion of Oz bands hasn’t stopped since then. Returning to L.A. with their dramatically lush orchestrations in support of their self-titled debut (out today via Modular Recordings), the […]
Seattle’s Motopony has a sound that refuses to be captured and boxed in one genre, and this stubbornness can be heard in the drastic change from their first single to their latest single, “Seer.” Whereas the lilting folk-pop serenade of “King of Diamonds” showcased Daniel Blue’s vocals in a vulnerable tone, “Seer” kicks it up […]
‣ It promises to feel like a night at the movies at the Satellite, where A Winged Victory for the Sullen performs. It’s a collaboration pairing Adam Bryanbaum Wiltzie (Stars of the Lid) and pianist Dustin O’Halloran (once upon a time of the fine L.A. duo Devics), and their ambient tunes will be abetted by […]
Sometimes you have to leave L.A. for greener pastures. Or, of course, for a girl and maybe some cheaper rent. Which is how Colin Ritchie – who until a year ago played for SoCal quintet the Idyllists – has found himself stationed in Iowa City, Iowa, home of the University of Iowa, 20-below-zero temperatures in […]