Spring Playlist Worth Paying Attention To

Review By: Sean Kayden

Beach House – “Myth”

This empyreal tune is the latest from dream-pop aficionados, Beach House. “Myth” is a spacious, utterly divine track that floats effortlessly behind a hypotonic haze. The weightlessness and organic touch to “Myth” makes it such an easy listen for one to become entirely mesmerized by. With each subsequent release, Beach House continually proves to be a band worth looking into it if you haven’t already. Delivering yet another ineffable gem, the mighty duo is primed for what signals indicate to be a stellar album once again.  

Eight and a Half – “Go Ego”

Eight and A Half is comprised of two members from the out of commission group, The Stills and the drummer from indie titans, Broken Social Scene. What’s the result? Something undeniably wicked. “Go Ego” is more in vein of The Stills, but with much a more minimalistic approach. Rich textures, slick vocals, and heavy-synths, “Go Ego” is the first cool song of 2012. If this is any indication on how the forthcoming album will sound like, then we’re in for one hell of a debut. Eight and A Half may just be the antidote most of us are in need of.

Bear Driver – “Big Love”

The five-piece London band recently dropped the single, “Big Love”. It comes off their debut LP that will arrive this summer. “Big Love” is an indelible pop song with edgy guitar riffs, glossy vocals, and a downright infectious sound. The song is quick, upbeat, and always charming. Bear Driver should be the definite sound for this rapidly approaching summer. After a few EPs and singles under their belt, the lads are prepared for total domination with the release of their first full-length record. Guess what? I’m totally on board with that.

Best Coast – “The Only Place”

2010 beloved band, Best Coast are back with a new single. “The Only Place” is a love letter to California (the band’s home state obviously). Lyrically, “The Only Place” is similar in nature to the tunes off their critically adored debut album, “Crazy For You.” However, their signature sound has expanded and production values are significantly higher. The lo-fi tone is gone, but strangely enough it’s not sorely missed. “The Only Place” is a simple tune, but irrefutably catchy. It’s your “fun in the sun” style of a song. With the faintly new direction in sight, songstress Bethany Cosentino and company are looking to repeat success with their sophomore record this May/

Japandroids – “The House That Heaven Built”

Post-punk duo, Japandroids are back in a big way. Their latest endeavor is aggressive and razor sharp. You can’t help but to not sing along with the “ohs” that are scattered throughout this awesome tune. The rapturous track is both fierce and powerful, but even a bit poppy at moments. “The House That Heaven Built” builds upon its towering, anthem-style energy. Japandroids look to be a mighty force to be reckoned with come this summer when they release, “Celebration Rock”, this presumed behemoth of a rock album.

Published by Mountain Views News on April 7th, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n14/p13.htm