Jonquil - "One Hundred Suns" CD EP Review

Before sitting down to write a review of Jonquil’s new EP “One Hundred Suns”, I surfed Google to find some background on the band. Genre labels are apparently more fluid that I had thought as numerous sites reference Jonquil as part of the “math rock” scene but I hear none of the start/stop rhythms that I had (previously) associated with the genre. To my ears, the band’s new 8-track EP is closer in spirit to bands like The Annuals, Beach House and Vampire Weekend than Don Caballero and Jawbox. The band has described their music as “Paul Simon’s take on The Smiths” which seems to reinforce my point.

"One Hundred Suns" is Jonquil’s first domestic release (which is out on NYC-based Dovecote Records) and it follows two import-only releases. The new EP is currently available on iTunes and a vinyl release will follow early next year.

Jonquil captures the intricate sound of orchestral indie-pop bands like The Annuals and some members of the Elephant 6 collective but Hugo Manuel’s warm falsetto vocals helps Jonquil achieve some measure of differentiation. Another point of differentiation is that Jonquil doesn’t aim for the shambolic, lo-fi state of exuberance that some of their domestic contemporaries seem to thrive in. The overall disc bubbles with a mellow energy and uses some creative drumming and world-beat rhythms to reach beyond its folk-pop core.

The disc starts off strong with the fuzzed-out electro-pop of “Fighting Smiles” and the first single, “Get Up”, emphasizes poly-rhythmic drumming intertwined with some off-kilter guitar riffs. Beruit-style horns/brass is later added to the mix on the songs “Pillow Quest” and “I Know I Don't Know”. While this is the first studio recordings for seven of the disc’s eight songs, the band’s comfort with the material shows as many of these songs have been a regular part of the band’s live set. The last track, “Lions”, is a hold-over from the band’s prior LP.

Jonquil is already booked for SXSW next year and will probably end up “breaking out” next year. Below is a live video for "Fighting Smiles" so give a listen and see what you think.



Links:
Jonquil

Mobile Version of Guitar Hero 5 Released at Nokia's Ovi Store

The mobile version of Guitar Hero® 5 debuted at Nokia's Ovi Store with 20 tracks from rock bands such as Blink 182, No Doubt, Nirvana, Vampire Weekend, Sublime, Bush, David Bowie and the early reviews of the game have been strong. (Check out PocketGamer's review).



To celebrate the mobile launch of Guitar Hero® 5, Nokia has announced the Rock Star Photo Competition where entrants can win Nokia and Guitar Hero merchandise simply by submitting their rock star photos. The 5 best photos will win a Nokia X6 mobile phone, Guitar Hero® 5 guitar bundle (including game software and guitar controller) and a Microsoft Xbox 360 console. One grand prize winner will receive a trip for 2 to see any Nokia Theater concert in NYC or LA. Photos will be selected by a panel of judges from the 10 highest user-voted images

Links:
Ovi Store by Nokia official page
Guitar Hero® 5 Ovi Store Link
Rock Star Photo Competition Link

Free Live Music This Week (August 6th)

There are a number of great live acts playing free this week...

Yesterday, I posted about Marissa Nadler and Elk City's in-store performance at Sound Fix. Here is what else is happening this week:

Tues 8/7 -- The Dry Spells
Pete's Candy Store @ 11PM
The Dry Spells, known for intense and haunting vocal layering, draws inspiration from music ranging from Russian folk songs, rock, as well as songwriters like Linda Perhacs and Sibylle Baier.

Fri 8/10 -- Metronomy, Au Revoir Simone
South Street Seaport @ 7PM

Sat 8/11 -- Vampire Weekend, Meg Baird
East River Amphitheater @ 2:00 PM

Sat 8/11 -- Head Automatica
Highline Ballroom @ 10:00 PM

You must RSVP for this show -- click on the poster to access the RSVP link






Sat 8/11 -- Pagoda
Pete's Candy Store @ 9PM

"[He] is an artist with living expression as his goal and music is where he thrives. And Pagoda as a live band kicks much ass. " - Thurston Moore