These kinds of samplers can also serve to introduce us to brand-new bands worth following, like Brett & Lean, a duo who are completely new to me (and the Internet, as far as I can tell), with voices that sit wonderfully side by side in the mix, and a hint of Ian & Sylvia to their writing style. Indre Styrke are also just about brand-spanking, supplying here a blend of slo-core electronica and classic-rock electric guitar, doing nicely with a paucity of notes.
Finally, Whit Walker and Oliver Waterman show themselves to be a pair of talents worth keeping an eye on. Walker's "Momma Wanna Hold Yer Hand" has a repeating call and response of the title phrase, accompanied by a jangling tambourine that keeps things Haight-Ashbury in the open before getting more folksy with the addition of a squeezebox. The organization here is pretty interesting. Waterman is more psychedelic, like early Genesis spinning out a seven-minute-plus song full of buzzing electric guitar played in halting phrases and dramatic vocals that leave him gasping for breath.
Is there a cohesive aesthetic here? I think you'll find it in the mix of indie sentiment and organic instrumentation and arrangement. There's something throwback in what Lorem Ipsum is doing, reminiscent of four tracks in living rooms with oriental rugs on the floor. How suited that is to this new-age all-electronic delivery system.
FROM LOREM, WITH LOVE(VOLUME 1) | Released by Lorem Ipsum Recordings | loremipsumrecordings.bandcamp.com
Topics:
Music Features
, Portland, Lorem Ipsum, Eternal Otter
