Wednesday 19 Jun
 
 
CD reviews

Kanye West — Yeezus

Try as you might, but there’s no escaping Kanye West. Turn on the TV, radio, computer — hell, take a stroll downtown and you might see his mug projected on the side of a building. It’s an undeniable fact of life in 2013: Kanye West is bigger than Buddha, Krishna and The Beatles (today, anyway) and he’ll be the first to let you know about it.
06/18/2013 | Comments 0

John Moreland — In the Throes

With the soul of a poet and the look of a Sons of Anarchy extra, Tulsa’s John Moreland has been gifted the sort of gravely, booming voice that does Bruce Springsteen proud and a similar understanding of the universal human experience. It’s made for some fantastic records — both as a solo artist and with his dissolved Black Gold Band — and In the Throes is his best yet.
06/19/2013 | Comments 0

Jumpship Astronaut — Lights Burn Out

Oklahoma has never been the haven for electronic rock music that it is for country, folk and, as of late, psychedelic pop, but from the sound of Lights Burn Out, Oklahoma City upstart Jumpship Astronaut seems intent on changing that.
06/12/2013 | Comments 0

Various artists — Reaching Out

Like so many Oklahomans, the local music scene has responded with generosity and grace in the wake of last month’s tragedy in Moore. In the weeks since, droves of local musicians have banded together for benefit concerts and radio marathons to raise funds for the relief effort, and with extraordinary results.
06/04/2013 | Comments 0

Progress in Color — Get Well

It’s been a long, bumpy ride for Glenpool’s Progress in Color, which saw a record deal with Epic evaporate before even one record could come of it, but it’s led the outfit to where it was supposed to be.
06/04/2013 | Comments 0

SXSW: Gold Beach / Avalanche City


Pensive indie rock and enthusiastic acoustic pop

By Stephen Carradini March 16th, 2012

Gold Beach
Credits: Stephen Carradini

Gold Beach's indie-rock has a pensive, moody sound that is often associated with The National. It's a pretty hip sound right now, but Gold Beach pulls it off well. They augment the usual instruments with a cello, and that makes a big difference in their sound. They also have M83-esque keys in some tunes, making for some unique textures. Their closer "Skin of Yours" used both elements to great effect, creating a memorable, evocative tune.

Avalanche City is one of my favorite bands, so I was stoked to be able to see them at SXSW. They're from New Zealand, so it's not every day that I'm able to swing out and catch a show. (Although they are touring with fun. after their run here at SXSW, so maybe I will be able to see them more often!) The trio composes charming, enthusiastic, beautiful music out of instruments that should give away their style: acoustic guitar, two glockenspiels, accordion, banjolin, keys and vocals from both genders. Imagine all the indie glee of Death Cab for Cutie's Transatlanticism funneled into indie-folk arrangements, and you're near where Avalanche City lands.

Avalanche City
Credits: Stephen Carradini

Their songs are almost all love songs, but not in the sappy, goopy sort of way. They're all tied into the love of life, adventures (their album is Our New Life Above the Ground), and seeing the world through a wide-eyed wonder. Their upbeat melodies are instantly arresting, and their arrangements are beautifully executed. I sung along with almost every tune, and had a blast. The band sounds just as good live as they do on record, even with the slightly modified arrangements. It was in the top five best sets I've seen at SXSW so far. If you're a fan of happy music, acoustic music, Ingrid Michaelson, or charming indie twee-type stuff, apply within. They're on my list of bands that will be maxing out SXSW showcases next year.

 
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
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