QUICK SPINS: Quasi, Shout Out Louds
By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 11, 2010 8:20PM
In which we take a quick look at a few recent or upcoming musical releases.
Quasi is one of those little indie gems people seem to take for granted, and we think that’s a minor crime. The band's built between ex-husband and wife team guitarist-keyboardist-singer Sam Coomes and drummer Janet Weiss and rounded out by Joanna Bolme's bass. Earlier albums like Featuring "Birds" and Field Studies were built on minimalist melodies over winging drums but as time went on the band's approach has grown heavier and less precious. American Gong continues to ramp up the assault, with a slightly psychedelic patina we didn't fully expect, without ever losing sight of the importance of each song's ultimate hummability. Lyrically the group makes no great laps, shaded by melancholy tones shot through the occasional dash of precarious optimism. Put this all together and Quasi has delivered another reliable gem for us to admire.
Quasi plays May 1 at Lincoln Hall
Sweden's Shout Out Louds have proven adept at crafting songs that feel of the fabric of recognition. That is to say their tunes always have come across as rewrites of some great masterpieces in the pop canon always stuck on the tip of your tongue but never making their way into sound. they've been accused of aping past sounds -- their previous album drew critical comparisons to The cure -- but we think this is merely a byproduct of the band's ability to tap into the timeless to produce their own little slice of electro fueled indie pop. Work feels like a road record, filled with propulsive rhythms and wispy guitars, creating the impression of rushing along at a great speed, cutting through the wind with zero resistance, propelling the songs over a landscape of muted colors and winter sunshine. Initial single "Fall Hard" exemplifies this perfectly, carrying us along in its rush while gently replicating the airiness of a flourishing spring romance. This band isn't copying anyone; they're merely working from a universality that feels so cozy you're convinced it can't be new. But it is.
Shout Out Louds plays May 10 at Lincoln Hall