The wooden sounds of Here We Go Magic have the most minor hints of warmth hidden in them, which is almost enough to distract from the eeriness that permeates the entire album.  Self-described as a “lovely ruckus”, Here We Go Magic have created a strange and beautiful album from “melodies that can turn from gorgeous to challenging to a little scary and back again”.  The band’s own description sounds viable enough but couple that with a tip of the hat from indie-superstar, Sufjan Stevens, who has supposedly called the voice of lead maestro, Luke Temple, one of the prettiest in pop music and you really have a worthy recommendation.

While the first half of the album is a demonstration of the band’s stronger muscles for song structure, the album’s back half is filled with scary loops and high-pitched, ghoulish vocals.  When the loopiness subsides, the album gets bookended by a pretty little piano piece that sounds like Paul Simon refurbished a forgotten song off of Van Dyke Parks‘ Song Cycle.

[mp3] Here We Go Magic - Only Pieces

Best described as intensifying high-energy indie-electronic artist, Kap Bambino never fails in putting on a great live set. With the collaboration of Caroline Martial and Orion Bouvier, it is no wonder the duo hailing from France…might just be the next upcoming artist in the music scene.

With songs like “Zero Life” and “New Breath” on their latest CD “Zero Life, Night Vision”, the track can easily lure the listeners into a world of eight-bit noise recordings. But take in mind, there are 12 tracks on this CD…with each being disturbingly unique and addicting.

Kap Bambino has a identity that can be pinpointed:  captivating and aggressive. Although the lyrics are somewhat unintelligible and the high vocals are enough the shatter glass, Martial and Bouvier are a powerful medium for self-expression.

Their new album Blacklist is suppose to be released in May 2009. That’s definitely something to be excited about. But for now, check out their new single “Red Sign/Acid Eyes”.

[mp3] Kap Bambino - Red Sign

Don’t miss Kap Bambino as make their way to the United States! Here is what their schedule looks like:

March 16 : San Franscisco @ 330 Ritch
March 17 : Los Angeles @ Viper Room
March 18-19 : Austin @ SXSW
March 20 : Chicago @ Schubas
March 21 : New York @ Webster Hall

Wondering how each does on their own? Check out Khima France (Caroline Martial) and Groupgris (Orion Bouvier).

The Black Lips’ name proceeds them.  Club owners around the nation (and now the world) are well aware of the on stage and off stage antics of the Atlanta four piece.  Having spent an evening in the front row of this madness, I can attest to the rumors.  For all the chaos at their live shows, Black Lips’ music is somewhat tame.  Songs are derived from simple melodies and guitar lines that make people want to dance and drink beer with friends.After the success of Good Bad Not Evil, the upcoming release of 200 Million Thousand is an opportunity to vault Black Lips into the indie stratosphere.  Luckily, the band hasn’t altered their musical vision in order to insure this result.  If anything they’ve made it a little harder on themselves.  The hints of psychedelia from prior releases have come to the forefront in both recording style and content.  Back to back tracks “Trapped In A Basement” and “Short Fuse” pull the band across a pretty wide range of influence.  Chances are “Starting Over” will be the radio friendly track (if that even matters anymore).  Few bands could pull off an album like this, and not sound gimmicky or derivative.  However, Black Lips are the real thing, and you can hear it in ever vocal inflection, guitar note and snare strike.  The record drops tomorrow on Vice.  Grab it here.

[mp3] Black Lips - Short Fuse

Get an idea of their live show after the jump…

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After a much buzzed about appetizer EP, Harlem Shakes finally returns for the main course.  It’s called Technicolor Health, features kickass album cover art and some lineup changes.  “Strictly Game,” the full length track streaming on their Myspace page starts off  guns blazing from all directions.  You get thick static, saxophone, vocal harmonies, old school Modest Mouse guitar hammering all coming together into a lean, kinetic tune speaking of how “this will be a better year.”  I think Lexy is right about that.

Techincolor Health will be released on March 24th through Gigantic Music.

We just got word that Cursive will be releasing a follow up to Happy Hollow on March 10th.  The record will be called Mama, I’m Swollen and will be the band’s sixth LP.  I can’t say much about the record, but I’m sure Tim Kasher and Co. won’t disappoint.  I do have the tracklist and some tour dates below.  Listen to Cursive here

1.    In The Now
2.    From The Hips
3.    I Couldn’t Love You
4.    Donkeys
5.    Caveman
6.    We’re Going To Hell
7.    Mama, I’m Satan
8.    Let Me Up
9.    Mama, I’m Swollen
10.    What Have I Done?

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