Glasvegas

Yes, I am getting more and more excited about the prospect of a new Glasvegas record. Honestly, I am still amazed that they raise so much vitriol from so many, as I thought the first record was a bonafide immediate classic. But I guess my taste is definitely not the norm, so a perfect record in my mind does not make a hit. Nevertheless, the Scottish 4-piece are back, with a new drummer and lead singer James has a new thing for white clothes. Strange and unexpected, but ok.

The newly record is called EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\ and will be available digitally on April 5th. The first released track is entitled The World Is Yours. Of course with a sophomore release the band have the usual considerations... sound too similar and people get bored, but sound too different and risk losing your core supporters. With this first track, Glasvegas seem to have toed the line between both of those strategies pretty darn well. There is a sunnier disposition than past tracks and a surprise electronic edge, and the pace is picked up a bit, but the giant chorus and stadium sing along crescendo still prevail, with the usual dose of moodiness and melancholy. I take this as a good sign for the full record.

Download The World is Yours from RCRDLBL now.

The Drums

A few years back, there was a band called Elkland. The members were all from the US, but somehow they were able to perfectly channel the best of the A-ha, Erasure, Bronski Beat, etc. Their best track, Everybody's Leaving, could easily have been mistaken for an original 80s synthpop lost gem. Luckily, although some time has passed, the members have not all gone on to coulda-been/shoulda been status. The lead singer has re-emerged with a new band: The Drums.

The Drums' first single, (video below) "Let's Go Surfing," is out now and it is a bonafide earworm. Much like Peter Bjorn and John's "Young Folks," the track utilizes the power of the simple whistle as its real hook, and then proceeds to bores its way into skull. But unlike PBnJ which aged particularly quickly, the rest of this track is so well crafted that I can't see that happening here. For me, this track is so formidably based in the art of a simple rock song, that it just stands up much better. It doesn't rely so heavily on the strength of the instantly recognizable whistle, but instead takes it's real strength from the rest of the song's clean and straight forward pop music craftsmanship. More reminiscent of the Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson than their common indie rock peers, The Drums could actually be one of 2009's greatest newcomers.

Maybe Elkland's demise was worthwhile after all.



Download "Let's Go Surfing" and other tracks at RCRDLBL now.