Le Diamant Brut: Cursive & Electric Touch

ELECTRIC TOUCH

What's the Deal: Electric Touch is just what they say they are, a big rock sound with melodies thick enough to bite through, beats to have you dancing in your seat, and guitars that bleed electricity. These three Texans plus their British transport lead singer are on the rather healthy list of Austin bands on the roster this year for South by, but with one energy blast from their guitars, tight pants and rocker coiffures, and all the qeues in front of clubs will be torn asunder.

The group played their first show in December of 2007, had an album out by August of 2008, and is now ready to sweeten up the airwaves with their powerfully poppy rock and roll. “Sounds From The Underground” is one of the singles off their debut, with its high-energy guitars, vocal attitude and pomp. “Give Me A Sign” starts off a little differently. It begins with a jerky dance beat that’s irresistible, then jumps in and out of a more straight ahead rock of a chorus.

Something Interesting: They're signed with Texas-based Justice Records.

Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: "Saved" and "Don't Be Afraid"

Electric Touch Official
Electric Touch MySpace

Image by Bill Sitzmann from MySpace

CURSIVE

What's the Deal: One of the indie scene’s hardest working animals, Cursive, is heading out for South by this year, and they should be bringing some new tunes with them. According to the band’s site, they finished production on their new album in early December. And, judging from what’s gone on between the covers of the past albums, you can expect a slight departure from the previous album, while still maintaining their base of moody crazed folk fattened up with copious sweet spots and the occasional discordant decadence. A few albums back, the band made a wise move and brought in a skilled cellist to spice it up. Then, with their last recording, the group traded strings for horns.

Memorable tracks from this constant Saddle Creek favorite include the brooding and soaring “The Martyr” from 2000’s Domestica, which is ripe with angsty vocals and sharp musicianship, and “Art is Hard” from The Ugly Organ, which was almost too overwhelming in its orchestration with both Tim Kasher’s vocals and Gretta Cohn’s strings fighting to overcome.

Something Interesting: Anyone interested in Cursive should check out Kasher’s other project, The Good Life. Although, chances are if you’re interested in Cursive, you already have a working knowledge of the The Good Life catalog.

Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Sierra” and “Dorothy at Forty”

Cursive Official
Cursive MySpace