Weapons is one of Iceland’s most popular new indie rock bandsJust in time for summer, the music submissions continue to come in and pile up. It’s a daunting task to review all of this music. In recent months, the number of submissions has shot through the ceiling and I live in a place with 22-foot vaulted ceilings, so you get the idea.
Over the next few weeks, I will be clearing out the backlog of music submissions by publishing a number of playlist mixes with the goal of quickly catching up with all of the great new material that has been sent over the past couple of months. So, let’s do this.
First up is the band Weapons – a power pop trio from Iceland whose latest single delivers melodic electro punk with drive and attitude that’s hard to ignore. The band’s 2008 full-length release, Ditch In Time, was produced by Gordon Raphael (The Strokes and Regina Spektor) and hailed by critics and music lovers alike. This next single, a RAC mix of “Mister Mister” was self-released by the band and sent to IRC a few days ago.
“Mister Mister” (RAC Mix) – Weapons
Ditch In Time is available from the band as a free download.
Kniife Prrty is a Chicago electro-pop duo featuring Steve Pahl and Eric Whitney. KP combines the sugar rush of 80’s synth pop with the gritty realism of artists like Nine Inch Nails and EL-P. After listening to the emailed single “Change Your Mind”, it didn’t take long to realize the potential that Kniife Prrty has. “With the music we’re making now,” says singer and producer Steve Pahl, “I feel like we’re throwing the biggest thinking-man’s dance party around.”
“Change Your Mind” – Kniife Prrty from new, self-titled debut LP
KniifePrrty on MySpace
There is nothing trance about D.C. area band Shane Hines and The Trance, but they do make accessible, groovy pop songs featuring aggressive arrangements with hook-filled melodies. The band’s debut album, The Glory Journal, is out now, and was completely financed by donations from fans to the tune of more than $34,000. Songwriter Shane Hines also was a finalist in the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
“I Promise Me” – Shane Hines and The Trance from The Glory Journal (2009)
“The Broken Breaking Down” – Shane Hines and The Trance from The Glory Journal (2009)
Shane Hines on MySpace
The 66 is a Manchester alternative rock band that have caught the attention of UK bloggers and music critics. Over the past 18 months, the band has been touring throughout the UK with headline slots in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and receiving rapturous feedback in the Manchester rock scene.
The band members are Danny Rimmer on vocals, guitarist Mike Bee, bassist Craig Harman, drummer Ian Wilson and Paul Glover on keyboards. The 66 have opened or played with bands like Starsailor, Bonehead and Airborne Toxic Event.
“Shoot to Kill” – The 66, single release
The 66 on MySpace