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Some of you may know by now that Issue0.01 gets published out of Spain, though much of its design and tone is Irish-inspired, and content largely US-sourced. What an international bunch we are!? Let us continue this trend here by pronouncing Quien Es, Boom! the finest-band-of-the-month. This Spanish-titled, Texas-based, English-language-using band's name references Billy The Kid's purported last words before being shot, "Quien es?". They also get called QBOOM sometimes.
You'll hear traces of roots rock, gospel, folk, indie pop, country and rock. Yes, we realise that's pretty broad.
Recommended track "Brittle Britches" is available on their MySpace page, roight ere.
Moving onwards, we visit John Vanderslice (real surname: Vandersluic), who has released "Pixel Revolt" on Barsuk records. Vanderslice is known for his obsessiveness in the studio, and his work with bands such as Spoon and the Mountain Goats shows a high level of perfectionism. We're particularly enamoured by his track "Up Above The Sea" available here.
A last minute recommendation from Lewis in Nottingham England - note, his tastes have always been a bit alt.weird - he's recommending a band called "Pasta" from Sweden, "music in the style of C64/Spectrum". I'll let you decide.
If there's a band you'd like to tout, mail us back, and we'll consider it.
There should be more dancing. In our modern world of drab, apathy and the pleasure of mediocrity, nothing seems more necessary then this small pleasure of rhythmic combustion. I know your problem: you can't find any music that sends your body into ecstatic overloads that slide you across the floor like a jive-induced puppet. I intend to help.
The first time I heard about The Lemurs they were described as a mix between The Postal Service and a "heavier" version of The Shins. I am very glad to report that this is a terrible comparison and that no mixing of bands can nail The Lemurs sound. On their debut and seemingly nameless album,  The Lemurs have mastered a sound that is at times disaffected and joyful while still containing the effervescence of potent electronica infused dance rock. Thankfully, unlike other music in the genre, there are plenty amounts of listens in this album as it contains a depth that I thought impossible. The songs are infectious and instantly likable, but upon further listens (and you will listen further), nuanced details begin to dissolve your lethargy furthermore and dancing will be the only thing on your mind. Trust me.
The Laughing, also out of Austin Texas, have recently produced a debut EP entitled "Tiger Cry", which is probably named out of the bands obsession with a certain White Tiger; evidently they haven't received the memo that the Wolf is  the animal of our time.
Regardless, this incredibly mature EP from The Laughing makes it difficult to remember how life was before this mock 50's denim clad street gang of musicians. The music is odd and filled with strange seemingly out-of-place instruments, such as the Baritone Saxophone or a Glockenspiel, that have conspired to make this some of the most interesting and engaging dance rock that seems effortless in its talent. Logan Middelton’s interesting style of singing, which registers as some sort of restrained wail, accompanies this danceable hodge-podge directly to sonic victory that will leave humming, and in no time dancing.
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Here's a lovely band you've not heard of... til now: Over The Rhine.
Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler have been performing as Over the Rhine since 1990. Taking their name from an in-town neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, this twosome has multiple recordings, including compilations, holiday releases, and special albums made exclusively for fans.
They have a new release coming out in August, and I caught a couple of tracks from it recently. Their sound is a  pleasant mix of acoustic folk, cabaret, and alt-country. Karin's voice is similar to that of Lucinda Williams or Patty Griffin but it also has a bit of a torch-song quality about it – covers of 'My Funny Valentine' and 'Baby, Its Cold Outside' showcase that quality brilliantly. Linford's keyboard work displays the musical influences of growing up in the Ohio Valley - America's heartland – where gospel, country, and rock and roll music were all prevalent. Over The Rhine's album 'Discount Fireworks', released earlier this year - a collection of older songs, covers, live tracks and a new song - is a great introduction to the band. They're currently touring the East Coast and the Midwest in the States and have European dates in August.
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Lauren Guillery appeared on the Irish music scene a wee while back, fully-formed and ready-to-rock. Armed with a red guitar and a cocky attitude, she's graduated via the open-mic circuit and onto the stages of some of Ireland's better stages.
Her performances stood out amongst the crowd of shy and retiring female-fronted players, songs delivered with an 'I dare you' stare as she
hammers away at the guitar.
Whether playing with her band The Claws, or solo, Guillery commands attention, with a voice instantly arresting, a blend of Tori Amos and Kate Bush, but with a built-in rock snarl. Her debut EP which was be released in Ireland on April 21st, is entitled 'Listen!'.
Exclusive to Issue001, this Lauren Guillery tune: "Alive" (5.4MB).
Lauren's site here.
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