Music — January 12, 2013 2:49 — 2 Comments
And We’re Off!
Hello everyone, and welcome to 2013. Like I feel most Januarys, I’m excited by the idea that the previous year has just been a warm up to the epic journey ahead. And when I think about it, I can’t help but notice how much that idea relates to my relationship with music. 2012 was full of new bands, albums, and songs that absolutely left me floored. Pickwick, My Goodness, Smokey Brights, The Hoot Hoots, Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside and a slew of other bands consumed my speakers, headphones, and computer screens, only leaving me craving more. Highlighted below are just four of the bands that I’m excited for in the new year, along with a few pieces of media to help you get caught up and as amped as I am for what they’ll offer us next. Enjoy!
Kithkin
Damn I wish I would have stumbled onto this band earlier. Already their electrifying live shows are legendary, and their 2012 EP, Takers & Leavers, is a perfectly constructed reflection of a band whose bandcamp bio reads, “Through its performances, Kithkin hopes to confront crowds about the impending ‘end of things’ through joyous and psychedelic catharsis†– complete with rhythmic epiphanies, catchy riffs, and infigeratting vocal melodies. Luckily for all of us, a new album is on its way and a love affair with this 4-piece calls to all that will listen. Until then, check out Takers & Leavers by clicking the link below!
JOIN THE TRIBE AND LISTEN TO THIS!
Campfire OK
If you’re already hip to this Seattle band, then you’re also probably aware of the new material leaking out via social media for their upcoming record, When You Have Arrived. If you’re not hip to them yet, a simple way to describe Campfire OK would be: a folkier Arcade Fire. They’re rich with harmonies and odd, yet hooky melodies. So far, the song that has me most excited for the band’s sophomore release is “Wishing You The Best†– a well crafted, driving tune that’s video is as stimulating to watch as the song is to listen to. More tunes are set to be released each month, so make sure to keep your eyes and ears open.
SEE THISÂ -Â LISTEN HERE
Pickwick
Following the growth and success of this Seattle soul-rock group has been one of the more exciting experiences for me as a music fan. From watching the video for “Hacienda Motelâ€, to seeing them at The High Dive, then The Tractor, then The Neptune – it’s been hard to believe that anything could stop Pickwick from making their presence known on a national level. Now, over a year since the release of their latest single, Pickwick is getting ready for their first full-length release. This band is legitimately a force to be reckoned with, and if you’re not on board with them yet, I suggest listening again, and again, and again – for it’s going to continue to be an awesome trip.
Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside
One day my friend Lily turned me on to one of the best and most unique female voices that I’ve ever heard: Sallie Ford. The girl is simply a monster on the microphone. She has a voice I’d imagine the lovechild of Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits would have. That, along with the band’s stripped-down, upbeat and gritty sound, make Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside extremely danceable, digestible, and hard not to share with your friends. On February 19th, we’ll get introduced to the next chapter of Sallie’s career with the release of Untamed Beast, the second full-length from the Portland group. Judging by the first single, we’re looking at a little more rockin’ of a sound from the four-piece — a progression in their musical style that the last two releases seem to have been gearing up toward.
HEARING IS THE FIRST STEP TO KNOWING
All of this is just a drop in the bucket in terms of quality releases from great bands coming in 2013. Just locally in Seattle, groups like The Cave Singers, Roaming Herds Of Buffalo, Friends & Family, Smokey Brights, Yevtushenko, Head Like A Kite, and The Young Evils are all planning releases and, trust me, the list goes on and on… and on. 2013 is going to be a fun year, so sit back, relax, and fasten your safety belts.
Note: If there are any albums, shows, bands that you, the reader, think The Monarch should be looking out for, please mention them in the comments section so we can all get on board. Thanks!!
– Dominic Cortese, music writer, The Monarch Review
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The answer isn't poetry, but rather language
- Richard Kenney
Um…Shelk?! Can you make contact with this creature, communicate our live and interest and perhaps share some of it’s sonic secrets?
Hi Dom,
You should look into the Seattle band “Rose Windows”– I saw them tonight at the Neptune, opening for Fr. John Misty (another Seattle guy) and they were a witchy stoner tribe revelation.