Fresh Track: Fever Blanket “You & The Things You Do”
Late last year, Thought on Tracks contributor Brett McGrath stumbled upon local lo-fi, surf pop group Fever Blanket via Bandcamp. Since the discovery, the band has remained largely a mystery. I have yet to see any listings for live performances associated with the band. Their Facebook page offers only first names of the band’s members. However, today I was encouraged to learn that Dan Snodgrass from The Bonesetters recently made contact about a show and a possible interview. They exist! What I do know is this: they make damn good music. On February 4th, Fever Blanket released a new track entitled “You & The Things You Do.” Stream the track below, and visit their Bandcamp page for a free download.
Written by Rob Peoni
Fresh Track: Hospitality “Friends of Friends”
I sit here and cringe as I think about the obnoxious marimba tone that will be ringing in my ear at 3:00 am this morning. I will be asked to be alive before the careless have gone to bed. The coffee will be stale tomorrow. I will look half-alive as I hit the terminal, and realize that I will need a special catalyst to carry me on my journey out east. This session of zombie travel will be rewarded with a midday arrival in the greatest city on earth: New York. A special motivating song is the only way I am going to fight through this morning. A welcoming band from Brooklyn will carry me to my destination.
Hospitality was formed in 2007 and they released their debut full-length on January 31. Since this record entered my world I have let it carry me through my early mornings. The vocals of Amber Papini constantly call for a party and beg for me to exist. Track, “Friends of Friends” begins will simple, howling chords. Offering more breath than a cup of espresso this song causes me to bounce much in the same way as songs that make up the CSS and YACHT colleagues. Enter Papini’s appropriate opening line “I don’t want to go, down to 14th street, in old New York, I’d rather be home” and now I have myself an anthem.
As I trudge through the terminal, “Friends of Friends” will do more for me than a quick pick me up. This song will serve more for me than 5 hours of energy…as long as I have it on repeat.
Connect with Hospitality via MySpace | Bandcamp
“Friends of Friends”
Written by Brett McGrath
Fresh Track + Video: Posse “Hey Suzanne”
Posse is a post pop, indie trio from Seattle that dropped their debut, self-titled effort this week. I stumbled upon the release last night via Bandcamp Hunter, a phenomenal source for musical discovery. On the initial take, Posse offers a blend of familiar chord progressions – clean for a garage outfit, well constructed songwriting and enough energy to provide satisfying kick in the pants. A hefty 90s alternative influence runs throughout. Their sound is how I would envision a Jicks record sans Malkmus might spin. That’s not to say Posse’s self-titled release is, in any way, as refined as Mirror Traffic, but the same emotions are in play. Stream and watch the video for “Hey Suzanne” below. The good news is, while I thoroughly enjoy this track, it’s hardly my favorite from the release. Posse has at least three or four more songs worth repeatedly inserting in your ears. Not a bad batting average for their first time at the plate. Snag the digital download for five bucks from the Bandcamp link below.
Connect with Posse via Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp
Written by Rob Peoni
Thought on Tracks 