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
Fresh Track: Tanlines “Brothers”
“A good song transcends production trends. That’s what we were missing, and I wanted to start making songs that would have a life of their own.”
-Eric Emm
Nostalgia. It’s an interesting concept completely unique to each of us. It can be anything – a sight, a scent, a sound, a touch – and we are swept away with memories of the past and a longing for something that’s now missing. Music has always had a way of inspiring moments like this for me. I tend to associate songs with different periods of my life – every girl I’ve dated, or even had feelings about for that matter, has a song that reminds me of them. I have songs and albums I associate with high school and college, and even remember certain memories based upon a song playing at the same time. This, I think, is normal. But the best nostalgic trips are when I hear something completely new and am taken back…as if, I was waiting for this song the whole time. It completes the picture, so to speak.
Tanlines, the electronic duo of Eric Emm and Jesse Cohen, dropped the first track from their forthcoming album Mixed Emotions entitled “Brothers” earlier this month. While the album will be the band’s first official debut US release, they have been around for a few years. Their first collection of songs, Volume On, was a European-only issue and they did open for Julian Casablancas during a leg of his solo tour in 2009, so it’s not as if these two just started making music. The sound on “Brothers” isn’t so much something completely new as it is the maturation of the duo’s craft.
“Brothers” is a lively track comprised of an afro-beat, warm synths, an 80’s vibe, and a spoonful of that nostalgia I was discussing earlier. It’s completely danceable, yet utterly listenable. Eric’s vocals tread in the perfect range allowing for the beat to work its magic and lift up the listener.
You’re Just the Same As You Ever Were,
You Fighting and You Wonder Why It Makes No Sense.
I’m Just the Same as I’ve Ever Been,
But I’m the Only One Who Doesn’t Notice It.
Much like the band’s sound, the song is ultimately about the struggles in growing up. The conflict between staying true to ourselves and adapting to the new challenges and wants we have as we age is the bitch about life. But this song, while it brings about that for me, brings about the right mix of nostalgia for the past and eagerness for the present. Turn the volume way up, and let loose. You’re alive. Enjoy it.
Mixed Emotions is due out 3-20-12 on True Panther Records.
Connect to Tanlines via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Greg Dahman
Thought on Tracks 