NEWS
EVENTS
New Tracks Tuesday
Indie | Tuesday 12th November 2013 | Alex
So, I recently got drunk in Camden. A statement made my many down the years. However, upon this particular alcohol fuelled networking opportunity, I was lucky enough to find my onto a mailing list for Mystic Sons. Let’s not question how I got there, this is, after all, a results business whereby Google Analytics reigns supreme and 10am is peak traffic hour. This is mostly irrelevant though because upon this mailing list last night (11/11) I got sent two bands. One was Adam Ohman’s project known simply as “Mountain Bird” and the other was a songstress by the name of Juliette Commagere.
I always enjoy getting this kind of intel from sources like this because it makes me feel somewhat privy to precious information and the go between somewhere in the middle of dodgy press releases and the consumers, i.e. you all. I’ll split this write up into two sections so it’s clear to you all where I stand on each act.
Firstly, Mountain Bird. Whenever I hear the words “Dream Pop” uttered or written, my apprehension level immediately goes through the roof. It’s a genre dominated by too many people churning out mediocre lyrics and uninspired melodies. I reject this wholeheartedly. What IS inherently different about Mountain Bird’s take on this dicey corner of the music scene is that there’s decidedly more to it than that, there’s a sense of the grandiose and at other times a clear sincerity.
It’s blatant that Ohman LOVES Sigur Ros. He possesses a tattoo which stands as testament to this and you can hear it in every reverb soaked guitar string coupled with his breathless vocals. It’s a pairing that will always stand to make some weep and others wretch. “Don’t Mind” is a very strong track on which to build a solid debut EP and, it would seem, Ohman is doing everything right in his production. It holds all the classic hallmarks of whatever it is that “Dream Pop” should be.
I’d recommend this for any guy trying to show that he’s got a sensitive side on the third date.
Next up, Juliette Commagere. When listening to these two artists, one after the other, there’s something that immediately strikes you; Juliette’s a much more fun listen than Adam is. Adam’s the kind of guy you might get something of your chest to whereas Ms. Commagere would take you running through a field in the height of summer. I know, the imagery is just beautiful, right?
Now on her third album, this year’s Human, Commagere has certainly honed her sound to create a rounded mix of electronica and pop which compliments her vocals well. At times there are elements of Madonna, see Returning, a touch of Karen O, see Vampires, while all the time threatening to sound like my Stepdad’s old band (one release in ’96 which was just a decade too late, sorry Chris Stone). Not particularly consistent but I feel as though it’s certainly remix friendly material for the right DJ.
I’d recommend this for someone demonstrating how good the Yeah Yeah Yeahs really are.
Alex Taylor https://twitter.com/alextaylor18
