Impromptu outing to Barfly (which looks to have seen a few coats of paint since our last visit) last night to check out new Californian sensation Silversun Pickups, along with a lot of others - the show was practically sold out! Two support bands to entertain us, first up local band Attack! Attack!, who, whilst typical of the current South Wales sound, executed their set well and are certainly familiar with performing their wares. A stack of freebie CDs were whisked away quickly after they finished. Check out their myspace page for more information.
Second band up, Fear of Music. I'm not entirely sure what to make of them - again, their sound didn't come across as truly original, although very much of the moment in terms of their songwriting/aesthetics, but their set was well performed and well received. Something conceptual about their stage presence, although not a patch on Late Of The Pier (see Does anyone have a website anymore?)!
On to the Silversun Pickups, who were starting the UK leg of their current tour. The 4-piece have been described as the new Smashing Pumpkins, and with some reason - there is something reminiscent of the Pumpkins' in the songs, including (current single?) Well Thought Out Twinkies, although a few mellower tracks were included to mix up the set (and encore). There is an mp3 player on their website, and as ever, they also have a myspace page. This band are certainly riding high, the full crowd were very enthusiastic in their appreciation so I'm sure the band will be around again!
As an aside, this week's acquisition is the exquisite new album by Icelandic band Amiina. Primarily purchased as they are contemporaries of Sigur Ros, but this CD is well worth buying on its own. Beautifully presented in a solid card eco-book, the sound is very pretty and relaxing. Highly recommended.
Second band up, Fear of Music. I'm not entirely sure what to make of them - again, their sound didn't come across as truly original, although very much of the moment in terms of their songwriting/aesthetics, but their set was well performed and well received. Something conceptual about their stage presence, although not a patch on Late Of The Pier (see Does anyone have a website anymore?)!
On to the Silversun Pickups, who were starting the UK leg of their current tour. The 4-piece have been described as the new Smashing Pumpkins, and with some reason - there is something reminiscent of the Pumpkins' in the songs, including (current single?) Well Thought Out Twinkies, although a few mellower tracks were included to mix up the set (and encore). There is an mp3 player on their website, and as ever, they also have a myspace page. This band are certainly riding high, the full crowd were very enthusiastic in their appreciation so I'm sure the band will be around again!
As an aside, this week's acquisition is the exquisite new album by Icelandic band Amiina. Primarily purchased as they are contemporaries of Sigur Ros, but this CD is well worth buying on its own. Beautifully presented in a solid card eco-book, the sound is very pretty and relaxing. Highly recommended.
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