Long ago, when I was really into buying soundtracks, I picked up the Marie Antoinette CD. Admittedly, I bought it because of the Strokes, but it opened the door to my obsession with the Radio Dept. At the time, my tastes were pretty broad, indie rock speaking, but this opened an entire different world to my realm. Their songs were always playful, rooted in this expansive bit of electronica, though they tended to experiment a bit more than the other things I was listening to at that age. What struck me, probably later than my first few listens, was the band’s ability to drape political content in this airy delight that was supremely rewarding. I’ve picked up everything I could get my hands on throughout the years, with Clinging to a Scheme being my personal favorite. If you’re new to the band, I suggest Passive Aggressive, which is a great compilation from some of their best 2000-era work. They come to the Mohawk Monday night, for what I’m assured will be an exhilarating experience. It’s fresh off some rave reviews for their recent album, Running Out of Love, reigniting America’s love for these Swedes. They’ll be joined by Brooklyn’s Germans. Buy your tickets HERE. Not many make music as grand as this, but when they do, you’re better off if you come experience it live!
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You’ve always got to keep an eye on what Holodeck Records is doing, as they’re the premier label in Austin when it comes to electronic music. They’re currently working on the release of VVV‘s Why El Paso Sky, and we have this great little drifting piece of ambient electronica for your ears today. It’s the perfect little piece, almost like a blip in a greater soundtrack due to its brevit. It has this unfolding element, settling in the middle into absolute quiet, then moving to the song’s close. It sounds like this release will be a journey through the depths of Shawhin’s cavernous mind; look for the release on March 10th.
