Keeping New York on its Feet

I must admit, im a bit late to the party on this one. The Harlem Shakes are an indie rock band from NYC that have been brewing up a storm in the music scene these days. With a sound reminiscent of a slew of bands, including Born Ruffians, Saturday Looks Good to Me and Pomegranates, their future looks quite bright. They recently released their first album on record label Gigantic Music, called Technicolor Health. This comes a year after the band self released their first EP, Burning Birthdays.

Now to me personally, the album is a bit of a let down. I truly enjoy their EP, it is constanly on repeat these days, each of the 5 songs oozing everything that is great about indie pop. The album though seems to lose the gumption of the EP. Of course that isn't to say it lacks some great tunes. In fact, the opening two tracks, "Nothing But Change Part II" and "Strictly Game" display the Harlem Shakes at their best. The songs have the pace and vocal stylings that make their EP songs so strong.

However, i will leave below a track from each and you can decide for yourself which you prefer.

Harlem Shakes-Carpetbaggers

Harlem Shakes-Nothing But Change Part II

P.S. I hear teir live shows are quite a riot, so if you enjoy these songs i suggest looking into the April 16th Philly show, at kick ass small venue Kung Fu Necktie.

*UPDATE: Sorry boys and girls but the aforementioned Harlem Shakes show in Philly was canceled. Don't worry though, they'll be in the area again soon enough.

Beirut, Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

Zach Condon’s latest offering comes in the form of a double EP, entitled “March of the Zapotec/Holland.” Parts of the first disc were recorded in Oaxca, Mexico in April 2008, and feature Condon backed by a 19-piece band from the region. He’s up to his old tricks, with heavy Baltic influence and his oh so appropriate voice, though there is a definite Latin influence, thanks to his trip south of the border and his backing band. Most of these songs would feel right at home on any one of Beirut’s previous recordings and any fan or the band will find something to enjoy here. It’s on the second EP, “Holland,” where Condon shakes things up a bit. He’s replaced his traditional backing band for electronic beats on most of the tracks. I have to admit when I first heard Condon’s voice crooning over a synth track and computerized bass beat I wasn’t sure what to think. The backing track is decent enough, but what got me, as with everything else Beirut, were the vocals. There’s just something irresistible about Condon’s singing. The final track, and unfortunately the longest on the EP, “No Dice,” is noticeably devoid of vocals and could (and should) be disregarded. The length of both discs put together is only a paltry 35 minutes, but considering the consistent flow of music from Condon, I suppose I shouldn’t complain. Overall the effort here is a good one and I commend the jump to the electronic sector, just as long as it’s not the entirety of the next full length.