Band to Watch: Baby Alpaca
Tuesday night was yet another confirmation that Brooklyn is the current hotbed of independent music. I finished up work for the day and hopped on the train to catch Gauntlet Hair at Glasslands. I absolutely adore the sound that Gauntlet Hair is able to produce and they played a fantastic set topped off by favorites, such as “Top Bunk.” While I expected Gauntlet Hair to deliver, it was opening act Baby Alpaca that really struck a chord.
Brooklyn’s Chris Kittrell uses the Baby Alpaca name to promote a dream rock vibe that comes off as a combination of Chris Isaak and Depeche Mode. As his set progressed, I continued to lean over to my friend that I met for the show and discuss the little moments of brilliance that we both saw. Kittrell, a Cincinnati native was dynamic with his delivery. Some of his songs were stripped to promote his unique vocals, while others were backed with a drum beat to create a more party-like atmosphere. The crowd in attendance roared as he closed out his set and fans begged for more.
One night in Brooklyn quickly makes me realize that it is impossible to dial into the pulse of all the great musicians that are playing small venues all across the country. This will not be the last time that you hear from Baby Alpaca. It is evident that Kittrell has the talent and the background to take this project a long way. I expect the buzz to pick up for Baby Alpaca as the debut full length is set to be released this summer. In the meantime, download their EP for free and make sure keep an eye out to see if they roll through your region.
Connect with Baby Alpaca via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Brett McGrath
Band to Watch: Drunk Mums
Upon referral from Aussie band ScotDrakula I present the Drunk Mums. This group adds to the great independent talent that is being produced from the land down under. They released their first EP Eventual Ghost in May of last year. The Drunk Mums sound like 1970s garage rock with a twist of SoCal surf punk. According to their Facebook page the band credits The Mummies, Black Lips, and Junior Kimbrough as influences. Title track, “Eventual Ghost” brings a heavy sound and a chorus that you can shake your head to. The Black Lips influence is noticeable and the vintage vibe shines in full view. Escape Monday and head back to the weekend by listening to their track “Heavy Penalties” and watching the video for “Eventual Ghost” below.
Connect with Drunk Mums via Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp
Written by Brett McGrath
Band to Watch: Desert Stars
Talkin’ shop with music friends. It’s an integral part of what keeps my relationships with friends from distant to fresh and interesting. From a new band to a song you must hear, there’s always something to spark a conversation. And it helps when your friends have exquisite taste. My great musical companion, we’ll call her Chicago Grace, is just that for me. When she says I have to hear something, I know it must be good, and let’s just say with Grace, the recommendations are never a disappointment.
“Boys I Like”
Grace’s latest pick that turned out to be potentially the gem of the year is Brooklyn quintet Desert Stars. The band released a 7” in late February with two superb tracks entitled “Boys I Like” and “Farewell Decade”. Featuring some reverb-heavy vocals, keys, and an organ, the group provides pop harmonies for a summer drive. A quick Google search brings up some comparisons of the sound with that of Beach House’s Teen Dream. While I think the comparison is a bit of a stretch, as I feel Teen Dream has a much more subdued mood, I would say their sound has a distinctly more cheer to it, more along the lines of a cross between The War On Drugs and Beach House.
“Farewell Decade”
If you liked what you heard, you can grab a digital download for free of the 7” featuring both tracks above on Bandcamp. So much like Grace and myself, tell a friend about a great new act you’ve discovered via us here on Thought on Tracks and spread the sound.
Connect with Desert Stars via Facebook
Written by Greg Dahman
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