Silje Nes
Silje Nes is a woman of many many talents and she knows how to use them in orchestra to create wonderful music. On her new release Optiks the mulitinstrumentalist (we’re talking guitars, drums, viola, bass, xylophone, electronics, keyboards, concertina, flute, trumpet, percussion …) crafts hooks and builds carefully nuanced ebbs and flows of rhythm into wondrous music over which she melts her delicate voice. It is possible that because she create all the sound in her work that she is able to tweak it just so to find arrangements the average composer might not consider. As a result the slightly experimental yet entirely accessible material continuously serves up unexpected turns and musical phrases. Apparently she’ll be touring the US this winter and I simply must she how she delivers live. In the mean time I’ll just relish this breath taking bit.
[MP3] The Glass Harp
State Bird
This Ohio band has been on my radar since 2008 when I first swooned for their keenly spirited indie pop tunes – I think “I Don’t Love You Anymore” made it on most of my play lists that year. Back then they had a pretty firm grasp on how to write addictively catchy lyrics and pair them with quirky instrumentals. In the past two years they have really refined their skills and decided on their “sound.” Interestingly enough the midwest band has a decidedly surf band feel about them now but it seems to fit them. They’re fleshing out their arrangements and giving them more musical presence, no longer are they just a fun indie band, now their flexing some major musical muscle. They’ve got a new EP out and at 5 songs it gives you just enough to tide you over until their full play release. Check them out- old and new- you won’t be disappointed.
[MP3] Good Vibes