…Guards (@guardsmusic)? Rounding out our CMJ-themed week, Style Etoile brings you Guards. The backstory of Guards is this: Richie James Follin (the guitarist for Cults) returned from a jaunt in Europe and was inspired to write a bunch of songs which he recorded with the help of MGMT, Willowz (of which he is a founder), and his sister Madeline Follin (also of Cults). The result is a handful of lush, lo-fi, 60’s inspired beauties—get the free downloads here. Happy Friday—you’re welcome.
…Nurses? Nurses is a psych-pop trio from Portland who make awesomely catchy (yet totally original and slightly off-kilter) tracks. Their recently released Dracula has had some seriously heavy playtime in the Style Etoile world, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon. Their sound is a mix between Grizzly Bear, MGMT, and The Cure and we are buyin’ what they’re sellin’. Their Mercury Lounge show last weekend was one of the best we’ve seen in a while—so good we decided to catch them the next night at Glasslands.
why aren’t you listening to . . .
. . . Baby Monster (@BabyMonster)? Style Etoile has been digging on Baby Monster for a couple of years now—we are still talking about their CMJ show at Santos two years ago—and with the release of their self-titled release last month, our love and excitement has been completely invigorated. The Oregon duo makes electrorock that recalls a darker version of Kids-era MGMT. Their music is lush and dancey and dark and we are keeping our fingers crossed for a supporting tour . . . and this time around we know to wear our most comfortable get down shoes.
why aren’t you listening to . . .
. . . Capital Cities (@capitalcities)? In honor of the long weekend, Style Etoile presents one of the frontrunners for the 2011 Song of Summer title. “Safe and Sound” is the lead track off of Capital Cities‘ eponymous debut EP. These guys are offering up the perfect sound for a summer hit—indie electro synth (think Kids-era MGMT, Passion Pit, Foster the People)—and we love it. This LA-based duo is offering up the dance-pop without apologies and Style Etoile is keeping our fingers crossed they bring their grooves to our coast sometime soon . . .
why aren’t you listening to . . .
. . . Hooray For Earth (@hoorayforearth)? Style Etoile is more than a little excited for the June 16th Architecture in Helsinki show at Webster Hall and it’s in large part due to openers Hooray For Earth. This New York quartet is making seriously fresh psychedelic dance music—think Yeasayer meets MGMT with a hint of 80s synth pop. Their album True Loves came out Tuesday and we have had it on repeat ever since . . . do yourself a favor and check it out. See you on the 16th and don’t forget your dancing shoes . . .
