New Video: Hollis Brown “The Fly” (ft. DMC)
NYC’s Hollis Brown is an NYC band that we’ve had our eyes on for a while. The band just dropped a new video for their song “The Fly” featuring legendary hip-hop artist DMC. Yes, that DMC. Both Hollis Brown and DMC will be in Indianapolis this week, with shows surrounding the Super Bowl. DMC will take stage at Madame Walker Theatre this Friday (Tickets). Hollis Brown will perform at Bu Da Lounge this Saturday. Check out the video below and keep your eyes peeled for HB’s new LP Nothing & The Famous No One, recorded in Nashville with the Deer Tick/Middle Brother crew, due out on February 28th.
Connect with Hollis Brown via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Rob Peoni
Band to Watch: Blouse
Portland trio, Blouse released their dark electro-pop ridden, self-titled debut late in 2011. While this release did not spread much further than the borders of the Pacific Northwest, I would expect them to acquire many new converts as they prepare themselves for a larger stage this year. The first audition will take place as Blouse heads down to Austin for SXSW. This will provide them with the proper platform to introduce many new listeners to their glowing gloom. I would not be shocked to see Blouse use SXSW to catapult themselves into many of your playlists much like Yuck was able to accomplish last year. I notice an undeniable attractive quality as I listen to each track on their release. Blouse will see success this year because of their intangible talent and commitment to their authenticity. I am confident in any band’s success when I notice these two important qualities from the beginning.
It should be noted that Unknown Mortal Orchestra bassist, Jacob Portrait moonlights in this project. As he travels from one start-up to the next, his “never sleep” attitude is appreciated by buzz band connoisseurs like myself. The combination of Portrait’s technical excellence combined with the dark tones of Charlie Hilton’s voice makes a formidable pairing. Track, “Videotapes” does the best job of displaying Blouse’s potential. Rich synths, deep bass, and a voice that sounds like it is coming from a shadow make “Videotapes” special and give Blouse a great deliverable for conversion. While it is not as friendly of an introduction as UMO’s “Ffunny Frends” it invites in listeners in a different way. Its melody absorbs my memory and makes me want more. A good first impression proves its value.
Blouse most likely will remain silent for a bit as they tour Europe, but expect the buzz to pick up as they land back in Portland for a show at the end of February. Consider this show along with their Eurotrip to be used as preparation for their biggest test, the monster that is SXSW. This will not be the only time you hear about Blouse this year, but if it is your first, make sure you do not let this one fall through the cracks. If you do, then I am sure Blouse will find a way to jog your memory as they begin their 2012 campaign.
Connect with Blouse via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Brett McGrath
Video: Rusty Redenbacher “Iron Man Monster Factory”
Rusty Redenbacher is a Naptown institution. The man has been cranking out consistently thought-provoking hip-hop since Mudkids dropped 4-Track Mind when I was in sixth grade. His album with local teacher and emcee Mr. Kinetik was one of the hip-hop releases of 2011 that I could legitimately latch on to (SEE: Video: Rusty Redenbacher & Mr. Kinetik “Cashin’ In”). Late yesterday, Russ dropped a video for “Iron Man Monster Fatory” from his latest release The Tinkerer. Yes, the computer-generated bursts of flames are ridiculous, but, as with anything that Rusty releases, we must place the tongue firmly within the cheek. The album release party for The Tinkerer will be held this Saturday at Daddy Real’s The Place. Those that pay the $10 cover will receive a hard copy of the release.
Connect with Rusty via Facebook | Twitter | Tornado Alley
Written by Rob Peoni
Thought on Tracks 