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July 04, 2007
Neon Lights: Via Audio
Saturday night's penultimate band are Brooklynites by way of Boston, Via Audio. I said previously that Saturday would have a bit of Texan connective tissue running through the bill, and as our sharp patrons know, Boston and Brooklyn ain't in Texas. Via Audio get their Lone Star cred on loan from Spoon's drummer/producer Jim Eno. Baby James was so enamored with the band's self titled EP that he searched our kids out and offered his knob twiddling expertise for their full length debut. The product of that agreement is Say Something, due out on Sidecho Records in September. A taste...
Via Audio - "Modern Day Saint"
This track starts with a bang and ends with a whisper. The rhythmic jabbing riffs at the beginning fake that the Spoon connection is more than just technical. As the song unfolds, you realize that the main similarity between the two groups is really just a commitment to immaculate indie pop. The breezy boy/girl vocals and the "everyone in the studio must sing" chorus are a communal puppy dog party. The bent notes and snaking guitar lines that soon intrude are like a single shaky shopping cart wheel. Smooth togetherness wins out in the end, as gentle oohs pile on, cloud stacked on top of fluffy cloud.
Via Audio - "Developing Active People"
From the EP that kickstarted their good fortune, "Developing Active People" adds electronic flourishes to the doe eyed cross gender interaction. Underneath the pretty harmonies and suspended strum, synths that slowly bleed power as they go strive to choke out their catchiest refrain before going black forever. Their presence is missed, but admirably paid tribute to by even more wind nudged melody.
A long list of sites have signed off on Via Audio. The sheer magnitude of such endorsements got them a spot in Idolator's Track Marks feature as that week's "Biggest Band in the World." A smattering...
My Old Kentucky Blog
Earfarm
RySpace
Largehearted Boy
I Rock I Roll
Chromewaves
the Yellow Stereo
For a list of band member turn ons, (nearly rendered entirely theoretical by a 90's Image comics reference that proves some hip deep nerdiness) go to Hipsterotica
Hardcore Via Audio fans take note, Saturday's performance will be a one time only sort of affair, with an altered line-up and a promised cavalcade of guest stars. No hints from me, jack.
To buy tickets right now for Saturday's bill, also featuring sets from Botany Bay, Tacks, the Boy Disaster, and Ola Podrida go here. To have a chance at winning entrance as well as an armload of goodies, read the give away rules here.
Posted by Jeff Klingman at July 4, 2007 02:15 PM
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