Discovering CMJ: A Random Sampling of 20 Bands, Judged!
Page 4 of 5
Bikini Carwash
Based on the scant recorded evidence that could be found online, standard-issue Brooklyn pop-punks Bikini Carwash sound brand new. Not new as in novel, but like they just started playing in a band and are psyched to capture anything on tape. A couple of shaky demo versions seem like an awfully incomplete evaluating tool, though. They sound energetic? Which might come across live?
Should You Bother?
This could wind up being a little high school talent show-ish, but there are worse things, we suppose.
Fat History Month
This Boston band’s name gave us nightmares of Black Keys devotees in newly un-mothballed ska pants, so a lo-fi 90s slacker vibe was a welcome bait-and-switch. Non-sequitur Lou Barlow guitars, a Built to Spill whine that morphs into a sweet Unicorns smirk, rambling talking parts like a surreal Nada Surf—they still sound embryonic, but it could come together nicely. A little too sloppy to be this smug, maybe, but it’s diluted by a silliness that juts in unexpected directions.
Should You Bother?
Are you the slightest bit interested in determining who might be the next Yuck?
Technicolor Hearts
Among other dubious claims, Technicolor Hearts’ bio asserts that the Austin duo peppers their synth-pop with something called “arts and crafts rock.” What could that even mean? Mewling vocals that miss an intended Stevie Nicks-y hippie/witch zone slapped atop gimpy drum-machine beats might have you knitting double-tough ear cozies? File away for some future slushy March, when SXSW envy has you down on the Brooklyn scene.
Should You Bother?
No, this would be time better spent on Etsy.
Golden Bloom
More or less an expanded solo project for frontman Shawn Fogel, Golden Bloom sounds exactly how you’d expect a band called Golden Bloom to sound: catchy-yet-gently-earnest without being too, uh, catchy-yet-gently-earnest guitar-driven pop songs. There’s a very good chance at least one of these will find itself on the soundtrack to a beloved mumblecore romance or road-trip parable, so you may as well see them before everyone finds out and the tickets get expensive.
Should You Bother?
Only if you’re up for a heavy, heavy does of schmaltz.
Kings
Ok, so you may not exactly have been clamoring for a solid, country-and-punk-influenced band to finally, after all this time, come from the Brooklyn music scene, but let us not hold this against self-described “queercore country trio” Kings. They write nice music! Plus, they tend to focus on the kind of easy vocal harmonies that we’re willing to bet translate perfectly to a live show.
Should You Bother?
It doesn’t have to be your top priority, but intimate live shows do kinda seem like their specialty, so go for it.
Photo of Bikini Carwash
Comments (5)
Showing 1-5 of 5
