Little Boots
We’re onto Day 3 here at Ahead of the Curve. Which bands have you enjoyed the most so far? Personally, Ida Maria is still holding onto the top spot on my list although some of these artists might give her a run for her money…
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart = COLOR! I think it was an excellent decision to incorporate that multi-colored screen into the shoot. When I think of this group, I think of the way they manage to blend their soft sound and cheeky lyrics together. They seem to approach music with a clever little wink and I like the way their bright set emphasizes their sense of fun. Also, I just started to notice how many artists are still wearing their wrist bands from SXSW in these videos. Dig the authenticity.
“Sleepytime in the Western World” was one of my favorite songs last year. I included it on all my nighttime/relax mixes. Listening to Blitzen Trapper reminds me of playing records (yes vinyl!) with my Dad when I was little. For this video in particular, I enjoy the way the camera pans down the line as the group sings relatively acapella. You get a sense of how large this band is, how much work it must take to all harmonize with each other and create such fantastic music. The video is simple and effective, capturing only what it needs to without gimmicks or flash. Much like the song in my opinion. However, I do miss the percussion. It’s such a driving beat and you really do feel its absence.
It’s interesting to see a sparkly pop-star in this kind of sparse setting. I’ve yet to catch Little Boots live but I hear she tends to perform with a backdrop of flashing strobes that pulse in time to her electronic beats, so the use of the reflective light in this video gives her that extra edge of glamour and shine that we expect from pop music. While everyone seems to be generally onboard with this artist, I am holding back enthusiasm until I get a listen to the full album. Her voice is sweet but a bit thin at times, although there is no question she has an alluring stage presence. And she’s flat-out gorgeous.
The first time I heard The Little Ones, I thought, “Not bad music to take a drive down the coast.” Upon hearing they were California-based, I said, “Oh well now that makes sense.” Rather than delving into the glitzy LA scene, they seem to radiate that chill laid-back attitude that we attribute to the West Coast. Also, SNUGGIES! C’mon now, you laughed too.
So by far one of the best discoveries this week is Hockey. I am in love with Ben Grubin’s voice because it is so imperfect. It’s scratchy and irritating in all the best spots. It cracks and wilts and… well clearly I have a new crush. Whatever. The lyrics of “Too Fake” are filled with the sarcasm of self-righteous convinction, while being self-deprecating at the same time; a tough balance to pull off with such effortless panache. You can see newest addition guitarist Ben White hiding in the background on the right, who really provides the driving force on the recorded track. This video is interesting as the guys are hidden half in and half out of the light, sort of mimicking the message of the song.
Tune back in tomorrow for more artists and follow me on Twitter for updates on mtvU and Ahead of the Curve.
