Fuck Velcro, I Want Me Some White Laces

Michael Powell over at Crash Avenue alerted me to Richmond, Virginia's White Laces, who are prepping the release of their debut self-titled EP next month via Whole Ghost/Shdwply. Americans have been a part of the current shoegaze zeitgeist for a while now, and White Laces prove that its possible to emulate the likes of Swervedriver in the heart of Virginia, with the likes of 'Motorik Twilight' and 'Sick of Summer' marrying both dreamy waves of scuzz with disarming melody. In fact, 'Sick of Summer' reminds me of oft-underrated Aussie act Bluebottle Kiss at their most dissonant yet fragile and heartbreaking - which is a good thing. 'Honeywood' shows a little more play within the formula, which doesnt entirely work but is still entertaining. And that is the main thing you get from White Laces - a strong, vibrant shoegaze act that are still finding their feet. Cant wait to see what they give us next...

White Laces - Motorik Twilight
White Laces - Sick of Summer

The Haunted State

Naming your kids after towns you've never been to...says sage Isaac Brock (ok, paraphrased, but whatever, Im writing this at 1am cos I cant sleep!). And so it is with musicians. When bands are formed there is a great pressure on what you call your 'baby'. What possessed these Brooklynites to name themselves on the state where rich folk go to die - Florida - is beyond me. What possessed these Brooklynites when they created their 7" Haunted House (via SHDWPLY) may be the spawn of the Devil, but its created something mesmeric, captivating, and definitely haunted. The use of various effects and brass instruments in disparaging fits and bursts throughout the track sets the song forward like a Romero zombie with the occasional quick cut ("oh, its so slow, its stumbling along, its - OH SHIT ITS RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH" and so forth). The intertwined vocals of the singers adds to the eeriness - deep baritone and sketchy screeches. After its 5 minutes have slithered over you, your skin will be coated in stale sweat residue, the pits of your shirt/dress/blouse/muumuu will be yellowed, as will your fingertips and the whites of your eyes. you'll have the thousand yard stare, the seven year itch, the aches, the pains...and you will not hesitate to put this one agaion. Its a truly haunting track. So even if you don't understand their moniker, you'll understand what they created - and thats all that matters.

Florida - Haunted House