Check out what's hot in music this month.
GIRLS
Album
TURNSTILE/TRUE PANTHER SOUNDS/MATADOR
Having just made a short stop in the true north strong and free, this San Fran band continues to tour through the States over the next couple of months. However, I predict Girls will gain a lot of momentum and there's no doubt that they'll be embarking on another North American tour while the iron is still hot. How can I be so certain? Girls isn't just another scenster band known more for their bangs than their ballads; barfed out of the boroughs of New York. Front man Christopher Owens croons like an old soul, crafting songs reminiscent of Buddy Holly with strummy Beach Boys-esque bravado.
It's not all sunshine and lollipops for this California native;Owens didn't exactly live the Brandon Walsh life. Born into the Children of God cult, Owen turned to a life on the streets at 16. Forget somehow being able to steer clear of complete destitution, Owens not only managed to get it together enough to explore his musical talents, he managed to make a pretty damn good debut album that's not nearly as depressing as you might think it could be. I can't say for certain, but judging by the breezy sun-kissed lyrics of songs like "Morning Light" , "Lust for Life" and "Darling", he's dealt with his demons. Accompanied by Chet "JR" White, the twosome decided to escape from a life of eternal "slackerness" and put something solid together and indeed they did. The debut album, Album (I know, it's either brilliant or stupid, I can't decide) displays a musical maturity that they themselves may not even be aware of. Best song on the album, Album? Definitely "Hellhole Ratrace". Great melody, dark but at the same time uplifting with one of the best lyrics on the record: "I don't wanna die / Without shaking up a thing or two / Yeah, I wanna do some dancin', too / So come on, come on, come on, come on, and dance with me."
Check it out and let me know what you think. E-mail me at larissa@ellecanada.com
Learn about Brit band The XX on the next page ...
