Today we’re going with a band that is a little outside the realm of what we might normally write about. Future of the Left author a brand of angular prog-punk that is hard to ignore. The trio from Wales have something to say about the state of the world, and make no qualms with sharing opinions in their lyrics. The vocals are delivered with an aggressive snarl set to clamorous guitars, interesting keyboards, and impressive bass lines and drums that are altogether nothing short of catchy as hell. Play it loud.
Does anyone else remember Splashdown? I saw them in concert around 1999 at the old Milestones here in Rochester, with tickets I received for free as a thanks for purchasing their Redshift EP at Record Archive. I remember complaining that their concert kind of sucked because the band just made the show into one long song without much banter, and no real way to discern one song from the next. It was dark, almost goth-electro, which wasn’t much what I was into back then (and can’t honestly say that I would be now), but the EP was impressive. It was more pop-centric than their concert let on, and whenever their tracks shuffle up on my iPod now, it’s nice to remember. ”Mayan Pilot” was a mixtape staple for me after I’d heard it, but “Ironspy” contained the force of the EP – and was kind of a hit around these parts.
The trio disbanded in 2001 and went on to form other projects – Freezepop, Universal Hall Pass. But this particular EP – just a 5-song, 20 minute release – is something I still enjoy. You can find their music around the internets for free – through former member websites, through fan sites – so if you’re interested, make sure to check out their old stuff, as well as the band’s new projects.
I am amazed at the sheer amount of power-chord hooks jammed into this song that go along so well with the huge choruses to give it all an epic anthemic feel. I enjoy the hell out of this song. And the video is pretty enjoyable too.
By now, if anyone happens to be paying attention, it is likely easy to tell what types of music both Andy and myself are most often drawn to. Then again, no one has likely analyzed our musical tastes much further than either agreeing with our selections or not. If anyone is into some analysis (or simple math checking to see if we messed up our time countdown at all) check this for my full list thus far.
As a college student I was unaware of a very large swath of music. I began exploring new music at the apex of the Napster days and came across a lot of new Brit-pop, shoe-gaze and various other genres I soon began to enjoy and into delved deeper. I believe a friend of my roommate brought this record to my attention and I loved it. Sure, the band name is a well documented suck, but their talent clearly lies outside assigning monikers. Given a rare 10.0 on Pitchfork, I am less hyperbolic, though there are certainly bits that are excellent. I could also put ‘How Near, How Far’ on this list eventually, but today this will do fine.
Zach Condon could write hundreds of songs and not come close to the majesty of ‘Postcards From Italy.’ To have written it before having met the age of twenty makes it all the more awe inspiring. Instantly fetching with a taut loop of ukulele, driving majorette drums and pleasing horns set to vocals conveying wisdom beyond nineteen years.
Another solid release from Green Label Sound, Humdrum Town, comes from Brooklyn artist Theophilus London. Catchy electro-pop is quite often my thing, and this track is no exception. For those unfamiliar with Green Label Sound, it’s a label sponsored by Mountain Dew that releases singles for free on their website and usually pays for the production of a coinciding video. Many of the bands and groups the label chooses don’t have the budgets to produce videos on their own, so it’s actually a pretty cool use of corporate dollars.
Also, I don’t know if I would name my child Theophilus, but only because it would not pair well with the last name my progeny would inherit. Theophilus London sure has a nice ring to it though.
Theophilus London – Humdrum Town (mp3) from Green Label Sound
001: Joywave - Ridge/Traveling At The Speed Of Light 7"
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Upcoming Western NY Concerts
NOTE: Concerts are in Rochester unless otherwise noted.
1/5: Les Racquet
1/12: Joywave with Old Tapes, Dave & Marissa
1/13: The Dads
1/14: My Brightest Diamond
1/17: Josh Netsky Band with Cuddle Magic
1/18: Tycho (Buffalo)
1/26: Avicii
1/26: A$AP Rocky (Buffalo)
1/28: The Crystal Method (Syracuse)
2/11: Blind Pilot (Ithaca)
2/22: William Fitzsimmons
2/24: Mike Doughty
2/25: Charles Bradley (Buffalo)
2/29: Summer People
3/3: Matthew Good
3/5: Evening Man
3/23: The Men
3/30: tympanogram’s 3rd Birthday with Born Gold, Old Tapes, TBA
4/20: fun.
4/23: Cults (Buffalo)
5/6: Bear In Heaven (Ithaca)
5/7: M83 (Buffalo)
an examination used to test the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum, and the conduction bones by creating variations of air pressure in the ear canal.
Basically, it sounded like a cool name for a blog intended to be primarily about music. We’d both had other blogs previously, but over beers it was decided that more damage could be done as a joint venture. And here we are.
We share a passion for the undiscovered and under-appreciated, and hope that you’ll be able to find something you love as well.
Disclaimer
The music offered on this blog is for sampling purposes only. If you enjoy something you hear here, please go out and buy the music, see a show, or purchase some merchandise. Posted mp3s are available for a limited period of time only.
If there are any materials featured here that are your intellectual property, and you would prefer them removed, please notify us and we will be happy to oblige.
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About the Author: Dave
I like music. I can't describe how I came to like the music I do, because I don't know how or why, I just do.
Many years ago, Napoleon's brother, my great-great-great-great-great-great Grandfather, came to America. He was asked his name on Ellis Island while being processed as an immigrant. Not understanding English, he was under the impression that he was being asked how he had arrived in the new land. So he turned around and pointed at the sea vessel and said, 'LaBarge.'
About the Author: Andy
I come by my music taste of my own free will. My friends listened to 2Pac, my parents to contemporary Christian and me? Sunny Day Real Estate. I can’t explain it.
“Music, true music, not just rock ’n’ roll, it chooses you. It lives in your car, or alone, listening to your headphones…” - Lester Bangs
Today we’re going with a band that is a little outside the realm of what we might normally write about. Future of the Left author a brand of angular prog-punk that is hard to ignore. The trio from Wales have something to say about the state of the world, and make no qualms with sharing opinions in their lyrics. The vocals are delivered with an aggressive snarl set to clamorous guitars, interesting keyboards, and impressive bass lines and drums that are altogether nothing short of catchy as hell. Play it loud.
Does anyone else remember 
EP
By now, if anyone happens to be paying attention, it is likely easy to tell what types of music both Andy and myself are most often drawn to. Then again, no one has likely analyzed our musical tastes much further than either agreeing with our selections or not. If anyone is into some analysis (or simple math checking to see if we messed up our time countdown at all) check 
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Another solid release from 
