New Music: It's a Musical, Juliette C, The Raveonettes, The Acorn

(It's a Musical)

A million years later, I've finally gotten around to reviewing these tracks. (Kicks self several times). Enjoy the write-ups and downloads:

Download: It's a Musical - "Bad Day"

Lest you think that this is a cover, It's a Musical's "Bad Day" lets you know that there will be no Daniel Powter-style sad-sack moping by adding fey vocals and 8-bit electronic textures. There's a compelling mix of a Belle and Sebastian-style twee-pop, brushed drums, and synth, but then the song just ends. Was It's a Musical's "Bad Day" so bad that they had to leave the listener with musical blue balls?

Download: Juliette C - "Queens Die Proudly"

The former singer of Hello Stranger, and veritable goddess of the keyboard sounds like she's rocking many different synths here, not just ones that strap over your shoulders. As a result of that, along with some violins and a Specter-esque drumbeat, Commagere creates a catchy pop songs that ensures her a successful solo career.

Download: Nous Non Plus - "Fantôme Dur (Tuff Ghost)"

Speaking of synths, Nous Non Plus' latest track begins with a lot of them before settling into a film-noir-style guitar groove with a beat bordering on disco (un-tiss-uh-tiss). Taut, melodic, and very hummable.

Download: The Raveonettes - "Black White"

Lust Lust Lust is a favorite of mine this year, so naturally I went koo-koo for cocoa puffs when I saw this new track appear in my inbox. It's duet, with Sune Rose and Sharin Foo trading verses in the classic style. For about 2/3rds of the song, "Black White" doesn't suggest the leap forward in confidence and ability that Lust Lust Lust showed, but there's an awesome breakdown. Not bad by any means, but I can see why this was saved for an EP.

Download: The Acorn - "Crooked Legs"

The Acorn put together a nice, shambling, shuffling song of many different acoustical elements. "Crooked Legs" reminds me of The Arcade Fire's more subdued moments, usually when they are incorporating Caribbean or French elements into their music (think "Haïti" or "Ocean of Noise"). I'm very intrigued by a group who seizes upon those elements, as opposed to the more obvious anthemic qualities derived from Bruce Springsteen or U2. I will be definitely keep my eye out on The Acorn in the future.

(Jonathan Graef)
jon@minneapolisfuckingrocks.com