Family Band - Children

Brooklyn based (score another one for the Indie Brooklyn scene) Family Band is the collaboration between wife-husband duo Kim Krans on vocals and Johny Ollsin on guitar. "Children" is off of their upcoming LP Miller Path. Overall, their sound is haunting, brooding, and reminiscent of a low key Fiona Apple. Don't believe me? Compare for yourself below.

The Hoof and the Heel - Fireworks (NSFW)

Montreal based the Hoof and the Heel consists of Harris Shper and Christine Hale, Farid Rener on the drum/synth, and Al Mal on bass. Currently, they only have the EP And All the Tigers released early in 2010, however the overall cohesiveness and intelligence of their sound makes them a band worth noting. The song "Fireworks" is a standout, combining a sense of joy and confusion seamlessly together. The accompanying video depicting the formation and ultimate demise of a relationship compliments the music. Young love is easily confused, so is the melody and beats of THATH. However, in that confusion often resides profound beauty.

The Antlers - Kettering

I have posted previously about the Antlers, so this is not so much a post about the band but the song "Kettering" from their album Hospice. The song is incredible with the story told and the build of the emotions through a haunting progression in the music. Additionally, the song is appearing in pop culture, most recently on Chuck's Monday night episode "Chuck versus the Other Man".

Personally, I listened to this song on repeat while sketching in a small notebook traveling from London to Paris by train. There is something in the lyrics, in the melody, and in the broken harmonies that translates to reflection and sorrow. The Antlers are a stunning band.

I wish that I had known in
That first minute we met
The unpayable debt
That I owed you.

...

You made me sleep and uneven
And I didn't believe them
When they told me that there
Was no saving you.

Okkervil River - A Girl In Port

Home.

St. Vincent - Paris is Burning

I'm bumming around Paris at the moment. Happy Birthday Sis!