Fresh Track: Dusted “(Into The) Atmosphere”
Dusted is the new project of Brian Borcherdt and Leon Teheny. Borcherdt spent the better part of the last decade braving new territory with the Toronto electronic outfit Holy Fuck. Before joining Holy Fuck, Borcherdt was part of a little-known band named By Divine Right featuring Broken Social Scene’s Brendan Canning and some chick named Leslie Feist. Taheny is better known for his work as a producer than a musician, working with Final Fantasy, Rituals and Bruce Peninsula among others.
The duo came together to record their debut LP Total Dust in a converted garage, breathing new life into songs that Borcherdt had penned while on the road. Listen to Dusted’s debut track “(Into The) Atmosphere” below. Atmosphere is the operative word here, as this song is shrouded in jangling guitars, contrasting percussion and layers of lo-fi vocal tracks. Pre-order your copy of Total Dust, due out July 10 on Polyvinyl Records.
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Written by Rob Peoni
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
Fresh Track: Purity Ring “Obedear”
A while back, and one of my first posts for Thought on Tracks, I featured electronic duo Purity Ring in a Band to Watch post following their two big hits “Belispeak” and “Lofticries”. After these two singles dropped, a long silence period came with the hope that we would be given a debut LP shortly. The wait is no longer. Purity Ring released the presumed latest single from the album entitled “Obedear” this past Monday along with the details for the album. Shrines will be released 7-24-12 via 4AD Records. “Obedear” follows the precedent set of ridiculously good simple electronic beats and with Megan’s vocals drawing the listener in. Simply put, this is one of my most anticipated releases of 2012 and it’s everything I’m into listening to right now. For those in the Midwest or willing to travel, you can catch Purity Ring this July along with me on Friday of Pitchfork Music Festival.
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Written by Greg Dahman
Thought on Tracks 