Review: Birds and Arrows, Starmaker

Birds and Arrows

Starmaker

B

Pete and Andrea Connolly combine to form the duo of Birds and Arrows, offering a interesting folksy indie pop album in Starmaker that is in the very least worth one listen the next time you are hoping to escape the stressors of everyday life.  The debut album from this husband and wife duo oozes with an obvious vibe that these two are comfortable singing together and have something special.  They are at times brilliant in songs such as “Honeymoon Song” and “Not Interested”, however other songs fail to click so nicely, especially toward the end of the album.  While Starmaker may not blow you away it undoubtedly provides a pleasant listen for anyone looking to relax with a folk-indie sound.

-Spud Paulus

Host, “Beat Mingle” Friday 1:00-2:00 EST on WGTB Georgetown Radio

Interview with Miike Snow!

Miike Snow @ The 9:30 Club

March 24, 2010

On a summery Spring day in Washington DC I entered the famous 9:30 Club, where I was led into a dark back room to talk to the electropop trio of Miike Snow.  While lead singer, Andrew Wyatt, couldn’t be interviewed because he needed to rest his voice for the show I was able to talk to the likable and friendly remaining Swedish duo of Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg about their tour, music, and the future of the band.  Miike Snow’s self-titled debut album is a catchy and melodic production that sounded even better live than I could have anticipated.  Their debut album came together organically and easily in the studio, and their stunning international success has surprised even the group members themselves.  With their D.C . stop at the 9:30 Club coming at the beginning of their U.S. tour Miike Snow is in position to make a splash across the country as fans get to experience “the other half of the Miike Snow experience” in concert halls across the nation…and as they said, “Buy the CD, buy the ticket….and we will see you all in the back lounge.”

(Read the full interview after the jump!)

Review: Ruby Suns, Fight Softly

The Ruby Suns
Fight Softly
B+

New Zealander Ryan McPhun returns to the studio as The Ruby Suns for his third record entitled Fight Softly, a light and interesting album with an upbeat sound. Some may complain that McPhun’s newest release lacks a clear cohesiveness, a potentially valid point, but it should also be taken into account that part of what makes this CD so nice to listen to is how it can surprise you and jump around. The Suns’ indie-synth sound is peppered with Afro-Carribean beats that help give the album its generally pleasant and light sound. McPhun’s gentle voice over the repetitious synth generally works well, although the lyrics are often hard to decipher. Overall a solid junior effort from the New Zealander that is perfect for a relaxed atmosphere and possibly something to cheer you up on a rainy day.

Song Picks: “Two Humans,” “Closet Astrologer”

--Spud Paulus

Host, “Beat Mingle” Friday 1:00-2:00 EST on WGTB