GUEST POSTAGE ALERT!
Yup, I thought I'd switch it up a bit! Occasionally on this blog, there will be guest posts from other writers of the musically inclined. If you class yourself as such and would like to get involved, drop me an email (electragrrl@gmail.com) with the subject title of 'Guest Post', a little about yourself, writing examples or your own blog and what you'd be planning on talking about, and I'll get back to you!
For now I'll leave you with my lovely boyf Huw, who blogs over at The Go-Slow. Over and out!
_______________________________________________________________________________
Ta Kay! If you aren't familiar with Smith Westerns, you could be quite easily forgiven. The Chicago trio may have slipped past most of the indie-obsessed crowd, especially those on this side of the Atlantic. UK tours have never existed for the band (unless you count a short support slot for UK giants Arctic Monkeys). Not to worry though, I've got you covered ;)
After a somewhat below-the-surface debut album in 2009, the band didn't really catch any (semi)mainstream media attention until their 2011 sophomore effort Dye It Blonde, after catching the eye of infamous US indie label Fat Possum Records. The sudden success seemed to base itself around two factors: 1. The band's strikingly young average age (with all 3 members yet to turn 20), or 2. 'Weekend'.
The track (and band) seemed to emerge from nowhere, becoming a sudden indie radio hit with pop hooks galore. With a recipe of guitarist Max Kakacek's George Harrison-esque riff of the insanely catchy variety (WARNING: Will have you humming it for the rest of your life) and Cullen Omori's romanticised lyrics 'Weekends are never fun, unless you're around here too', "Weekend" is a delicious piece of indie pop. Garnished with dreamy synths and a youthful video that sees the Chi-Town trio strolling around their hometown in jeans so tight your balls may cringe, it became a brief staple in indie disco playlists.
With third album Soft Will released last month, the band have taken their penchant for 80's tinged pop songs with mega riffs to all new grounds. Though critically acclaimed, the album hasn't picked up the interest of its predecessor, hopefully not a sign of the band fading away. For those interested, check out the band's latest singles "Idol" and "Varsity".
No comments:
Post a Comment