The Crookes
The Crookes are strumming some undeniably luscious summer melodies. Clearly influenced by the more intelligent brit pop forerunners their lyrics are apathetically witty and their guitars plucked with just the right amount of bounce. Its the kind of music you should add to your chores mix because pretty much anything will be made at least 73% more delightful if they are providing your soundtrack. Their EP Bloodshot Days will be out on April 5th and they’re making the SXSW rounds as well.
Sweet Serenades
Image courtesy of Per Forsberg
The Swedish duo Sweet Serenades, have their fingers on the pulse of an irresistible pairing of the simple harmonies & guitars from the 80′s with the ethereal quirk of nordic indie pop. Their song Die Young has already earned a spot on Grey’s Anatomy and the rest of their tunes are worthy of similar placements. They prove themselves capable of including some playful synths but don’t stray from the simplicity of their bass and guitar lines. This isn’t revolutionary music making but it does contribute to the essential canon of happy making music. Their album Balcony Cigarettes is shooting for a US release later this year. Until then you’ll have to make due with the track they’ve so politely allowed me to share.
The Middle East
photo courtesy of Matthew Johnson
The Middle East create delicate music that launches your wonder into the dreamiest of orbits. Their track “Fool’s Gold” wraps gauzy lyrical layers so subtly around themselves you almost forget where it begins. The harmonies created by the male female voice meander deliberately around the minimal instrumentals carefully avoiding stepping on each other’s toes. A lot of thought has gone into these arrangements and I can only imagine watching them perform live is a similarly breathtaking. They are going to be on the road with Mumford & Sons this spring [May 16th at the TLA in Philly] which will make for one astounding line up.