Monday, July 14, 2008

Indie Pop Well Represented In Newish Releases

Little Beirut

This Portland-based foursome produce a variety of poppy rock beats and head bobbing songs on their first commercial release, High Dive, which was self-released on April 1st. Those in the mood for pop rock done indie style should feel like they have found something to cheer about here. Little Beirut is a bit off the main indie rock/pop road, but there is something in the songs that grabs your attention and is worth listening to. So here's the skinny on the name (the story has been told numerous times all over the web, but for the sake of my loyal visitors here's the scoop): Little Beirut came from the mouth of former President Bush, who after visiting Portland, OR during his time in office was met with resistance and drew the ayre of liberal-minded locals; Bush bestowed the nickname on the Oregon city due to their outspoken, protesting ways. This band has gladly picked up the flag for the moniker.

Lovers of lyrical manifestations should find the lyrics on this album pleasurable, searching for the intent of the words and how they fit together within the song itself. Written in 2004 but contained on this album, "The Lottery" features the vocal range of lead singer/guitarist Hamilton Sims topping the catchy guitar strumming and backing vocals of Edwin Paroissien. However, the phrasing of certain lyrics in this song may get lost in the shuffle if you don't pay attention. Is this the point? Well it's certainly part of the plan. Either way it pleases the ear. Another tune, "Love During Wartime", is a mellowed out, trumpet-dotted political jab at the Bush administration, and more specifically Condoleezza Rice who according to Sims in order "to become the most powerful woman in the history of U.S. politics" became "completely desexualized to make it okay. Hence why a love song to her seems so absurd.” Whatever the point of each song may be, Little Beirut seems to embrace its ironic cryptonym with sass and pride.

Some may find High Dive on the "sounds like the other thing" side, but if you're in the mood for hooky, rhythm-based, less mechanic sounding rock pop give it a try!

Mates of State

Around since their 2000 debut, My Solo Project, Mates of State, a married, child bearing couple originally from San Francisco who moved to New Haven, Connecticut to have a baby girl, have also developed some of the catchiest indie pop in the last few years. Their latest full-length CD, Re-Arrange Us, via Barsuk Records contains organic piano and synth sounds in place of the traditional organ Kori Gardner used to play. Both Gardner and her husband, Jason Hammel, who still provides the drum beats, no longer solely harmonize but each sing with a more established lead vocal style not seen previously. The different way these two go about their business appropriately lends itself to set Mates of State apart from other indie pop; they are different!

The new album, released on May 20th, infuses many sounds into each individual song. "Now" features synthisizer-driven poppiness with a throwback vocal style, while "Jigsaw" uses piano-based fusion to turn out the fun. "My Only Offer" adds a trumpet backing at times. The melodic nature of Mates of State allows this pairing to establish themselves as indie pop divas complete with the uncustomary delivery of sound. Check them out and enjoy the feeling you get when they make you dance and smile.

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