Vivian Girls' Drone-Harmony

Vivian Girls - Tell the World video via YouTube

It looks like Brooklyn is most-definitely the epi-center of the indie-rock universe at the moment. Vivian Girls sprang out of the loft movement, which refers to bands that play in lofts...instead of say, a music venue. Like 'em or hate 'em they're the next Vampire Weekend. Not that they are necessarily clever and twee, although they are both of those things, but rather that they are the next blog-hype, bubble band.

At first you may find their sound a bit drone-y and basic, but trust me, if you give it a chance it grows on you. I love me some disaffected vocals and it's even better when the disaffectedness is split up over three part harmonies. Besides, can you really resist the surf rock from Brooklyn? I didn't think so.


Vivian Girls - Where Do You Run To? video via YouTube

Vivian Girls - Where Do You Run To?
(Link Jacked from StereoGum)

You can also download the Vivian Girls' NPR session here

Blitzen Trapper Bring the Folk

Blitzen Trapper is one of those bands that I had heard a lot about but I hadn't actually heard their music until I saw them live at SXSW. In person their music is very textured, energetic and folk-rocky. What can I say revivalist folk rock is the order of the day for indie-rock, which is a pleasant change from the dance-rock revival of the last couple of years. What's old is new again and I think everyone has been listening to their parent's copy of The Band's, Music from Big Pink and Mountain's, classic record, Climbing.

Blitzen Trapper's latest release is called, Furr and it's already appearing on a lot of year end lists. The new record sounds intimate, like you're sitting in the same room with the band. It also has a very vintage sound, as if this record was just unearthed from a time capsule, only the textural keyboard embellishments give it away as a contemporary LP.

Portland, Oregonians, Blitzen Trapper will be playing the Mohawk on Wednesday (Thanksgiving Eve), with like-minded indie folkies, the Parson Red Heads.

Parson Red Heads are from L.A. and although their name is awkward their melodies will stick with you for days. You'll feel like you already know the songs even though it's the first time you're hearing them. If you don't believe me check out the track, Punctual as Usual below.

Blitzen Trapper - Furr
Blitzen Trapper - Gold for Bread

Parson Red Heads - Punctual as Usual
Parson Red Heads - Days of My Youth

Video after the jump...


Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation video via YouTube


Blitzen Trapper - Furr video via YouTube


Parson Red Heads - Punctual as Usual video via YouTube