Results tagged “thedarkness”

15. Mogwai - Mr. Beast (Matador) As ever, Mogwai manage to blend unadulterated post-rock weight to their shoegazer tendencies with tracks like "Glasgow Mega Snake" and "Folk Death 95," showcasing their ability to create anthems with no words. This is where Mr. Beast really shines, in between blistering chord progressions and gradual swings into corybantic climaxes. In some ways a throwback to earlier (and heavier) Mogwai material, Mr. Beast isn't merely a rock album....

It doesn't seem that long ago, but it has been nearly 10 years since Ben Folds Five were alternative radio kings with Whatever And Ever Amen. The success led to conflict within the band, which only managed one more album before a messy break-up.

Van She's self-titled EP makes a brief but strong statement: it's not simply the fact that the band is to synth pop what The Darkness is was to glam rock, but there's a remarkable degree of craftsmanship and potential in their music. The sound is tight and studio forged, but it never sounds plastic or overproduced. Tracks like "Kelly" will make you wonder if Jennifer Jason Leigh is losing her virginity in some dugout somewhere, while the powerful "Mission" urges you to roll up your suit sleeves, doff your skinny tie, and cruise the scene. Borrowing the brand of sound pioneered by bands like Depeche Mode and Flock of Seagulls, Van She's music manages to sport a palpable versatility, with a range that spans new wave and hard charged house; it's no great distance to traverse, perhaps, but in this short EP they've mastered the '80s pop aesthetic. It will be interesting to see how they choose to expand their sound on a full-length disc, expected sometime next year. If you're into retro sounds and good times, consider checking these guys out.

Check this week's IST list to see when these artists will be performing. Miranda Sound [mp3] Close Calls [mp3] The Lull of Youngsters [mp3] Midas Black Heart Procession [mp3] Not Just Words Peel [mp3] Moxy Blues Buttercup [mp3] Hot Love [mp3] We're Easy [mp3] Anti-Antarctica Diplo [mp3] Gold Lion (remix) [mp3] Bloc Party's "Helicopter" (remix) [mp3] Staring At the Sun (remix) CSS [mp3] Lets Make Love and Listen to Death From Above The Theatre...