From light to heavy

This week came across two bands from totally different ends of the spectrum, but both worth mentioning.

On the light side, learned about the Lylas by way of Music For Robots earlier this week. This quartet from Nashville, TN popped on the scene in 2003, and since then has already put out 4 albums. Their most recent lp, "Lessons for Lovers" is picking up traction with the critics and fans outside of the dirrty S, and for good reason. Their breezy tunes are sort of like what you might expect a drive up the Pacific Coast to sound like. It's basically a really lovely set of tracks with an easy mix of guitar, lightly scratchy vocals, and some great instrumental touches that pull the songs together nicely. Definitely some strong influences from The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkle, Nick Drake and perhaps even some Pink Floyd...?

Lylas don't look like they're coming anywhere up north anytime soon, but for those Nashville natives (like my sister, who obviously is reading this blog religiously and wants to go see all the shows I recommend).

Band website here.
Myspace page here.

Other band I caught up this week is called "I Love You but I've Chosen Darkness." I'm pretty sure that even if these guys weren't good (which they are) the name itself is awesome enough to warrant checking out their CD.

Luckily enough though they are pretty good - as previously mentioned they are quite a bit harsher than Lylas. More like a cross between Interpol, Mogwai with some Marilyn Manson thrown in (but really just a touch of Marilyn, they're morbid but not crazy).

The band is from Austin - a great music town that really takes influences from every music-walk-of-life. So even if they are on the rougher end of the spectrum, you can see that they've been wise enough to listen to a wide range of genres and let several artists permeate their repertoire. Regardless though, they've got quite a bit of angst and use heavy bass to emphasize their emotional state.

These guys are coming to NYC - playing at the Bowery on 7/19.
Band website here.
Myspace here.

Have a great weekend!