I’ve been listening to the Shivers music for several years now. They do a great job balancing the familiar with the unfamiliar. The diversity of their albums and songs take me from something that I feel comfortable with to something that is new, angst, and generally unpleasant. But then, by the time it really starts to bug me, it’s gone. It becomes easier to breath again.

I think that it what draws me to the Shivers so much. The singer/guitarist of the Shivers, Keith Zarriello, has proven that he knows the difference between what is pleasant to the ears and what isn’t. When it comes to folk melodies, The Shivers are among the best; they very rarely mess up harmonic instrumentals. So why intentionally veer from that into uncomfortable, loud clashing?

[vimeo 1090710]

That’s the beauty of The Shivers. They are musicians who simply don’t care what you want. They know, I would think, that some of their music makes them lose listeners. Those listeners who enjoy their mellow music aren’t going to necessary like their more experimental songs. But the Shivers are okay with that. They are not going to alter their vision to sell more records. By not allowing the listener to influence their music, they are able to stay true to their music, and say and play what they want. Think about how many songs about pain are so pleasantly played instrumentally. Is that always what pain feels like? Keith knows it’s not.

Sure, this could sound like justifications for bad talent. Once you listen to the Shivers music though, and their new album, Beaks to the Moon, you will realize that’s not the case. The Shivers make beautiful, honest music. At times, the truth, or at least Keith’s truth can hurt or be undesirable, but this album is wonderful to listen to. In my opinion it has a perfect balance.

Beaks to the Moon (2008):

The Shivers – Lonely Road

The Shivers – Love Is Good

Album- Charades (2004)

The Shivers – Beauty

The Shivers – L.I.E.

The Shivers – SoHo Party (This is an example of the diversity I’m talking about. Listen through whole song)

Album- Phone Calls (2007)

The Shivers – The Road

The Shivers – Half Invisible

The Shivers – New Direction

Site| Amazon | iTunes | Myspace | 911 Truth (This ones for you, Keith)

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Sub Pop is continually discovering new talent and doesn’t waste time getting bands signed to their label. One of their most recent additions is the band, Fleet Foxes. They can be compared to My Morning Jacket and another folk/pop band that we recently featured, the Born Ruffians. There is actually a striking similarity between Fleet Foxes and Born Ruffians, so much so that, at times, a listener might think they are the same band. Their band histories are also similar, in that both chose to alter their bands’ course and focus on harmonies.

“White Winter Hymnal” is my favorite song on their upcoming self-titled June 3rd release. It contains, by far, the best harmony on the album. I’m obsessed. The album has its strengths and weaknesses, as some tracks are a bit dry and drawn out towards the end of the album, like “Meadowlark” and the harmonies can feel misplaced. I definitely enjoy the first half of the album more than the second half. Overall, though, I still really enjoy this band, and their good songs are excellent.

Fleet Foxes is based in Seattle, and band members include Robin Pecknold, Skye Skjelset, Nicholas Peterson, Casey Wescott, and Christian Wargo. They will be heading out on a large tour soon, so be sure to check out for dates near you. Also, until the new album releases you can get your fix by buying their EP Sun Giant which just came out in April. The songs are different than the ones on their upcoming debut.

Fleet Foxes -S/T( June 2008)

Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal

Fleet Foxes – Tiger Mountain Peasant Song

Sun Giant EP:

Fleet Foxes – Mykonos

iTunes | Amazon | Myspace |Label| The Stranger (Seattle coverage; interview)

If you’ve streamed our Indie Muse radio show in the past you may have heard me play “Get Up and Go” by Broadcast 2000. It’s an outstanding song, and the EP it’s featured on, Building Blocks, leaves me anticipating a strong debut album. Broadcast 2000 comes out of London, and is the solo project of 26-year-old Joe Steer. His diverse musical talents make him a refreshing artist to listen to, combining cello, double bass, guitar, ukulele, glockenspiel,banjo, percussion and his own layered vocals. It’s hard to classify Steer’s music, but I would call it a mix between Sufjan Stevens, Coldplay, and Beirut. The vocals in “Run” could lead you to believe Chris Martin stopped by for a session.

The Building Blocks EP was recorded, mixed and mastered in Steer’s north London flat. From my understanding, it has a June release in the US, and is available digitally in the UK iTunes Store. Broadcast 2000 just recently signed with Groenland Records; I’ll keep you updated on any announcements regarding the debut release.

Building Blocks EP:

Broadcast 2000 – Get Up and Go

Broadcast 2000 – Run

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