Video: Gardens & Villa visit OnTheRecord.tv
One of my favorite new bands of 2011 proved to be Gardens & Villa and their self-titled debut via Bloomington’s Secretly Canadian. Last week, while we were busy listing, OnTheRecord.tv featured the Santa Barbara band performing a stripped-down version of their single “Orange Blossom.” The video is quite the departure from the song featured on the album. Here, a drum machine and catchy keys are exchanged for an acoustic and lonely snare. The wooden flute remains but it takes on a different vibe without the depth of the backbeat. I have yet to see these fellas live, but I’m left wondering which version I would prefer. Rarely do I say this, but this time I’ll stick with the synth. Watch the video and stream the album version of “Orange Blossom” below:
Connect with Gardens & Villa via Facebook | Website
Written by Rob Peoni
Fresh Track: Hollis Brown “Gypsy Black Cat”
Hollis Brown has grown up since I first stumbled upon this band a couple of years ago. The undercurrent of classic rock remains strong with these NYC natives, but they are carving out their own character within that realm. Their second full-length LP is due out in May and if the first single, “Gypsy Black Cat” is any indication, it will certainly be worth grabbing. The song features the sort of booze-infused piano line that is immediately relatable. Check out the video and stream below. The album was recorded in Nashville with several members of the Deer Tick / Middle Brother crew. The entire LP was recorded live to analog tape, achieving the warm, vintage feel that their fans have come to expect. Deer Tick lead-singer John McCauley lends his distinctive vocals to a track called “Spoonful.” Hollis Brown will be gigging around the Midwest early next year, with a stop at Cleveland’s Beachland Ballroom scheduled for February 3rd.
Connect with Hollis Brown via Facebook | Twitter | Website
Written by Rob Peoni
Band to Watch: Guards
Guards is the side project of Willowz frontman, Richie James Follin. I felt compelled to share it with you as it has been blowing up my headphones and I expect a big year from this project in 2012. You can dig on the free 7 song EP that also features 2011 breakout band Cults on the track “Sail it Slow.” Buzz band blood lines give this project instant credibility as Follin is the brother of Cults lead singer Madelline, and occasionally moonlights on guitar for the band. Sometimes it just runs in the family. The first week in December, Guards released a 7″ entitled Do it Again. If you like The War on Drugs’ Slave Ambient from earlier this year, then you will like Guards.
Connect with Guards via Facebook | Bandcamp
Watch “I See it Coming” below:
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 