New Releases: 08.02.11

Eleven recommends today’s new releases from Ximena Sariñana, Moonface, Fruit Bats

Ximena Sariñana- Ximena Sariñana

Mexican singer-songwriter Ximena Sariñana, already a platinum-selling artist in her native country, crosses over into the U.S. with her English-speaking, self-titled debut.

Teaming up with Dave Sitek (TV On The Radio), Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (The Mars Volta), and Lily Allen producer Greg Kurstin, this 25-year-old had some serious help along the way. The album showcases Sariñana’s versatility and depth as a pop vocalist and songwriter.

On “Different”, she charms with soft vocals reminiscent to those of Zooey Deschanel, backed by a jangly summery melody equipped with all of the necessary bells and whistles (and horns). And while her sweetness lasts the entire duration of the album, she ventures into varying styles including dancehall electronica (“Echo Park”), pop ballads (“Bringing Us Down”), and gritty, distorted indie rock (“Shine Down”).

 

Moonface- Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I’d Hoped

Imagine this: all of your favorite old school Nintendo games (Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Mario Kart) soundtracked by ex-Wolf Parade frontman Spencer Krug. Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I’d Hoped, Krug’s first full-length solo release since the band’s indefinite hiatus, plays exactly like this.

However, unlike the repetitiveness of Nintendo background noise, which tends to get on your last nerve after a few unbeatable levels, these five tracks continue to stimulate your senses in new and exciting ways after each loop.

Krug experiments specifically with the organ to create an eerie, hypnotic album. Added digital drums and distorted vocals give it an ’80s sound and enough beat to keep your toes tapping and your hips swaying.

 

Fruit Bats- Tripper

“She should dance if she wants to dance,” Eric Johnson repeatedly insists over an airy composition of harp and synthesizer effects. It’s this urgency to act on pure feeling that sets the theme on Fruit Bats’ fifth studio album, Tripper.

Almost entirely a solo effort, Johnson focuses on story-based tracks about reinventing yourself, and it’s not difficult to see that theme play a similar role in his musical style.

Experimenting with the album’s production, Fruit Bats’ signature classic-folk rock sound often becomes dark and haunting. Tripper is Johnson’s most personal album to date, and chances are you will be able to relate.

This entry was written by Ryan Marian, posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:08 pm, filed under New Music, Review and tagged , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

LouFest Lineup Announced!

LouFest, an ambitious 2-day music festival in Forest Park, has for months been the speculation of anxious music-goers both in St. Louis and throughout the country. But wonder no more, dear readers, for Eleven is here to dispel any lingering doubts as to the festival’s ability to live up to the hype. Without further ado, here it is: the 2010 LouFest lineup!

Saturday, August 28
Broken Social Scene
Built to Spill
The Airborne Toxic Event
Lucero
Titus Andronicus
Adam Reichmann
So Many Dynamos
sephaniesid
The Northwoods

Sunday, August 29
She & Him
Jeff Tweedy
Alejandro Escovedo
Fruit Bats
Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons
Gentleman Auction House
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Magnolia Summer
Kim Massie (special Sunday-morning gospel set)

Eleven has a lot planned for the months leading up to the festival; be on the lookout for upcoming previews, interviews, and music from the bands playing LouFest!

Go to loufest.com for more info, and to buy tickets.

This entry was written by Matthew Ström, posted on April 7, 2010 at 9:00 am, filed under Upcoming and tagged , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.