Earlier this year I attended
SXSW for the first time and it was a momentous occasion that has been the
highlight of my year so far. I think it is crazy how the best and
worst thing about it is the sheer number of artists that play throughout the
week. With numerous parties, showcases, and random free shows there
are so many performances that it is impossible to catch everything. In
fact that is why one of my favorite things about the event was actually
reading everyone else's adventures after the whole thing had ended. I
used a number of those stories as references to check out some new music but
there were a few bands that I didn't get too. That was quite awhile
ago and I definitely don't remember which ones that I didn't get around to
hearing but as fate would have it one of those bands that I had forgotten to
research popped up in my inbox today with word of an awesome remix and a
brand new EP. The band is called Pela and it definitely isn't too hard
to see why so many people were buzzing about them after SXSW, they are
really good.
:Pela - The Trouble With River Cities:
The fact that not too long ago anyone could have strolled down to Times
Square and bought a necktie from Billy McCarthy is simply insane. His
really has some amazing vocals and why he was selling neckties and not
singing on a street corner with an acoustic guitar is beyond me. It
could just be my crazy mind but his vocal style reminds me of much lighter
version of Shawn Christensen from Stellastarr. I know that may seem
like a reach but give it a close listen and I think you might see what I
mean. In any case this song is pretty fantastic so download it and pay
attention for my favorite line at the 1:04 mark when Billy says "yeah,
there's an undertow but it ain't got me."
:Pela
- Lonesome Hearts (Cassettes Won't Listen Remix):
CML have been stunning lately, especially with that Asobi Seksu remix of
Strawberries. I hope you are in the mood to get up and move around
because that is exactly what this song is going to inspire you to do.
I love how different and weird this song feels in comparison to The
Trouble With River Cities. I realize that is how it should be
because this is a remix but a lot of remixes just try to add some extra mood
or something strange while CML just sets out to take a cool song and make it
even cooler. Somehow they keep succeeding at blowing my mind, this is
highly recommended.
The band's brand new EP, Exit Columbia Street, is available now on
iTunes and they are awaiting your
friendship
here.
-
John Laird -
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