Le Diamant Brut: Late of the Pier & Neiliyo
What’s the Deal: You might remember him from those UnDiscovered Austin Philips GoGear parties some months ago. He was around plenty whether in body or music. He was one of the four local “undiscovered” musicians you could check out and vote on at the loft parties. His music is really just him and some beats and grooves, and his new CD, People Skills, catches him at his DIY fullest. The 10-song recording is wrapped in vibrant colors with very minimal packaging. And, on the disc itself, his name and disc title are colorfully scribbled most likely by his own hand. Neiliyo’s music is found somewhere in a funk-meets-hip-hop-meets-dance cloud where humor and mischief dance gleefully.
“Ain’t Over” from People Skills is one of the more immediately remembered songs on the album. It has a very sing along-friendly chorus that feels more than a tad over the top at times. The electronic buzz and beats behind some very spoken wordy vocals are easily enjoyable and whimsical.
Something Interesting: The charm of this recording largely lies in the self-produced aspect of it. There’s just something about receiving an album that is 100 percent the artist’s vision, and it is fortunate we live in Austin where we have a wealth of these inspired self-reliant musicians.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Kinda Pissed” and “Bigger Freaks”
What’s the Deal: They’re a British foursome of fresh-faced young lads with creative minds fueling unique sounds. Reviews that crop up for their debut, Fantasy Black Channel, are scattered, but those who are fans border on the fanatic. Their dance music is a catchy and invigorating mix of electro pop, glam, punk, electronic and other, which creates a sound that’s become its own animal. They are perhaps most at home on Astralwerks with artists like The Chemical Brothers, The Pet Shop Boys, and Royksopp, but the musical foresight Late of the Pier possesses could really land them a position just about anywhere.
The immediate effectiveness of the harmonic vibrations and familiar melodies of songs like “Focker” thump hard in a dance-til-you-drop mix of electronics and guitars. It’s really not a far cry from the tunes pumped out of The Faint’s practice space during the Danse Macabre days. Their video for the retro futuristic tune “The Bears Are Coming” is childlike, fantastical and worth three minutes and sixteen seconds of your day.
Something Interesting: It’s not surprising that Late of the Pier charted at number 28 on the UK Album Chart, but has yet to make a significant impact in the States.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Heartbeat” and “Space And The Woods”
