More Music from the Inbox, 05 February 2013: Ariane Moffatt, Stefaloo, Midnight Spin, Kinksi and Stubborn Heart
By Scott Jones
Artist: Ariane Moffatt
Album: MA Remix
Ms. Moffatt delivers a nice take on what is left to be desired in a relationship. The pumping retro feel, slick production, along with her calm, smooth vocals adds the desire to dance while riding on a bicycle. Just remember, folks: Don’t let the accompanying music video fool you and set a bad example. While attractive, it’s highly dangerous for this many women to be riding the streets of Montreal with nary a visible light on the front of their bikes.
Sounds like: Bouncy ‘80s synth pop on two wheels.
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Artist: Stefaloo
Album: Would You Stay
Angeleno Steph Thompson wears her heart on her sleeve; that is plain as the ring in her nose. Such emotion is delivered that the black and white video just adds to the somber but powerful message within the words of her song. This is the beauty of singer/songwriters like Stefaloo (Thompson); being able to remove loud instruments to allow the listener to understand fully what she means.
Sounds like: A nice ballad to help you feel better about yourself after you’ve made a mistake of caring too much for someone who you’re too good for.
Link/Listen/Watch:
Artist: Midnight Spin
Album: Don’t Let Me Sleep
The self-titled cut off this record just screams garage rock revival for a new decade. Lead vocal man Mike Corbett’s big, brash vocals that never seem to colour outside of the lines, while the musical interlude mid-song provide a chance before you start to air-drum again. Who says leather jackets and mop-headed hairdos are dead? Take a late-night drive blasting these guys with the top down.
Sounds like: The Strokes and the Vines sitting down in a small café, sharing cool, new ideas. And air-drumming. There can never been too much air-drumming.
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Artist: Kinski
Album: Cosy Moments
The decision for Kinski to add vocals to their repertoire was a good one; Chris Martin’s new direction makes their modern proto-punk and post-hardcore sound a little more like early R.E.M.’s tracks on the college circuit in the mid-‘80s. The multi-layers in Martin’s vocals add to the already awesome production that doesn’t let any of the instruments clash with one another. A solid rebirth for the Seattle group.
Sounds like: The Stooges gone jangly.
Link/Listen/Watch:
Artist: Stubborn Heart
Album: Stubborn Heart
Take the Reverend Al Green’s late-night soulful grooves, combine it with Seal’s emotional pleas, and punctuate it with solid, vintage, vibraphone-laden electronica, and you have yourself a band to listen to in your room after you turn out the light. There’s nothing stubborn about playing this one at 2 a.m. while curled up under the covers. Now, boys and girls, it’s time to guess who the real lead vocalist is in the video. I’m placing my bet on the lady in red.
Sounds like: Neo-soul at night, providing luscious dreams for all who dig in.
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