Le Diamant Brut: Broke Beads & Mumford & Sons
What’s the Deal: With tracks titled “Skate Higher,” “Hired Goons” and “Wizard Lazer,” it stands to reason that the group’s new record, Wave High, would be a little tongue-in-cheek. But, achieving that musical vibe isn’t likely when you’re an instrumental indie rock group. Instead, the music this foursome creates is more thoughtful and full of repeating waves of indie pop ambiance. When you think instrumental indie, Explosions In The Sky will likely be among the first acts to pop in your head, and although they both could be as a score to your evening, Broke Beads is lighter and a little less focused on dreamy guitar-based sonic structures.
“Skate Higher,” the single off Wave High, begins with keys, twinkly guitars and a Postal Service pop feeling minus Gibbard’s vocals.
Something Interesting: They’ve only been playing out since January, and the members are split between New Orleans and Austin.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Sunshine Baby” and “Wizard Lazer”
Broke Beads [MySpace]
What’s the Deal: Burning through the festival circuit right now is this group that’s been exponentially winning over fans and garnering great ink. A growing sound in London’s folk rock scene, Mumford & Sons only released their debut, Sigh No More, in the U.S. this February. This group of multi-instrumentalists (playing everything from mandolin and banjo to keyboards and double bass) is known to swap instruments during their live shuffle between salt-of-the-earth harmonies and the sound of plucked strings and jabbing strums.
Any tune on Sigh No More is perfect for acquainting yourself with the band, but we suggest “The Cave” or “Little Lion Man.” The former features a multitude of musical sounds joining strong, unique and grounded vocals and building from there with layers of piano and banjo, making it a formidable folk pop single.
Something Interesting: Songs from the new album have charted in many countries including the U.S., U.K., Austria, Belgium, Ireland and more. Catching the band live in their homeland could prove difficult for fans as dates as far out as October are sold out.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Dust Bowl Dance” and “Hold On To What You Believe”
