' swim until you can't see land '

Sekirk, Scotland's Frightened Rabbit have dominated my iPod for the better the part of the last two years. The Midnight Organ Fight was my favorite album of the summer of 2008 and has been a go to for me ever since.

In the past few months they've sort of faded out of my radar. I wasn't sure when anything new was coming from them. Finally, word of an as-yet-untitled (Wikipedia is calling it "The Winter of Mixed Drinks", but I've heard nothing about that title before) album scheduled for a Spring 2010 release began to trickle in. They continue the trend of catchy, emotional indie pop anchored by some fantastic drums and Scott Hutchinson's signature vocals, thick Scottish accent included.

An official video for "Swim Until You Can't See Land" has hit the web. Wonderfully simple and awesome music video captures the feel of this band. This is shaping up to be my summer 2010 anthem.

The "Swim Until You Can't See Land"/"Fun Stuff" 7" Vinyl on FatCat Records comes out 11/16. You should preorder it here.

And for those of you that really want to jump in, enjoy their previous two albums:

Sing the Greys (2006)
The Midnight Organ Fight (2008)

st. vincent & andrew bird @ the orange peel. asheville, nc. 10/09/2009

The leaves were changing colors when Jill and I arrived in Asheville Friday afternoon and it was obvious that fall was in the air. Beautiful, crisp weather before the rain soured the skyline. She'd never been to the progressive enclave in North Carolina's mountains. Our destination was the 900+ capacity Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club to see St. Vincent and Andrew Bird.

I've seen Bird once before. A slightly unremarkable show that I forgot I even attended until he came on stage this evening. My true intentions, besides a romantic getaway weekend with Jill, was to see Annie Clark of St. Vincent. She's a timid creature who wields some ruthless sounds on her guitar. Able to jump from whisper to shriek to deafening boom all in one song. Her 2009 release, Actor has been one of my favorites thus far this year. Her set was far too short but full of energy. The venue was maybe half full as she played but those who arrived early enough to catch St. Vincent were treated to a real show. I'd gladly take the time and money to see a full set from St. Vincent. Somehow their live sound doesn't translate with as much vigor or force on CD or vinyl or digital release.

Andrew Bird was a spectacle. A humorous band leader obviously sick but not upset over his illness. He was battling a cold but still rang out with whistling solos, vocal play and downright emotion. Honestly, Andrew's not my favorite pedal-looping violinist, but he is a talented musician who can craft some damn catchy songs. I honestly didn't know how evident and prominent his whistling is on record until you see it in practice live. I tend to prefer his violin-driven songs over recent guitar-driven tracks but he's been rather consistent over his career. He will likely never top 2005's spectacular The Mysterious Production of Eggs and I'm glad he hit all the high spots of that album near the end of that set and during his encore.

Speaking of the encore, St. Vincent joined Andrew and his band on stage for the final few songs. It was slightly underwhelming and obvious that they're not entirely comfortable merging on stage. Both bands just take such different approaches. Bird is cheerful, lowkey, poppy with a little sarcastic kick. St. Vincent is loud, spontaneous, improvisational. Did I mention LOUD? Their sound doesn't translate as well when down a few decibels to match Andrew Bird's sensibilities.

Nonetheless an entertaining show. Worth the price of admission, even though I'm pretty sure seeing Andrew Bird twice will suffice for my lifetime. St. Vincent stole the show and I'm certain I will take any opportunity to see them again.

Below are some pitchfork.tv videos of the bands. Good stuff.
Cemetery Gates: Andrew Bird
Cemetary Gates: St. Vincent

A video of Andrew Bird & St. Vincent performing at a house party in Paris.
Soiree de Poche: Andrew Bird et St. Vincent

'summer of fear'

This summer I discovered an interesting artist, one Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. His name alone makes him sound important. His voice sounds as if he's the lost 3rd singer for TV on the Radio. It doesn't hurt that his self-titled 2008 debut included help from members of indie rockers Grizzly Bear and the excellent Kyp Malone of the aforementioned TV on the Radio. In all the hubbub of enjoying his 2008 debut I failed to notice he was prepping a 2009 followup.

Summer of Fear is that album. So many new indie acts this year have channeled the "sound" of summer. The feel of warmth on your face and the emotion of freedom most summers provide people our age. MBAR captures an entirely different feel. The uncertain pang in your stomach when you're not quite sure what's next. Given economic downfall, political turmoil, and an utter hopelessness across our whole generation its hard not to be afraid.

52% of America's 16-24 age group can't even find a summer job. Or a job at all for that matter. Thousands of college grads left the safety of higher education to simply make the long walk of shame back to their childhood homes. How can we not feel just a little lost and afraid when the "plan" has been revealed as utterly flawed. "I remember being 17. I remember being honest, holy, healthy and clean," screams Miles Benjamin in "Always an Anchor". We're grasping for that belief we had on the cusp of High School graduation but coping with the fact that things aren't quite as secure as we thought they would be.

In our effort to let go of our worries and embrace a sense of freedom, we forgot to search for a voice to remind us of that hidden hurt. Summer of Fear is a series of anthems designed to jar us from our fears and remind us that it's alright to take a step forward no matter how bleak the future may be. Stop hating and fearing and blaming and just realize that life is fucking hard. It always has been and the best people come out of these challenges with something to show for it, a sense of accomplishment and safety only acquired through sweat and tears, and utter fear.

Summer of Fear arrives October 20 on Saddle Creek. Produced by TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone.

Hear the album.
Video for "Buriedfed" from 2007's self-titled debut.