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Silversun Pickups
The average five year old child is often energetic and fidgety, and has a short attention span. He can also ride a two-wheeler with training wheels, can swing by himself, and draw simple figures. The average five-year-old moderately successful indie rock band, however, probably has two full-lengths out, perhaps an EP, has gone on several nationwide tours, and perhaps has crossed oceans to play shows in other continents.
The My Bloody Valentine-esque Silversun Pickups, on the other hand? Los Angeles' "best kept secret" is finally anticipating releasing their debut album in 2006 (they're probably working on it at this very moment). The only official release from the band is a single EP, put out only due to pressure from badly-recorded fan bootlegs.
This Silverlake based-quartet draws influences from indie rock and shoegaze, and, most surprisingly, mid-90s Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam, with shifting dynamics and that familiar alt-rock drone. Their melancholy songs are complete with chugging guitars, throbbing basslines by secret weapon and teenage wet dream Nikki Monninger, and radio-ready vocals, all soaking in wonderously fuzzy feedback. And after making a splash at CMJ 2005 a few months ago with their formidable stage presence (five years of playing shows does wonders for a band, doesn't it?), Silversun Pickups are set to take on SXSW at full force.
When I listen to Pikul, I like to imagine that I'm back in high school, shortly after grunge has exploded on MTV, driving around in my mother's car, days after getting my license. Brian Aubert has graduated from the days when he was too nervous to sing properly into the mic. And whenever he yelps during "Kissing Families," I think to myself, Billy Corgan, eat your heart out.
Silversun Pickups - Kissing Families
Silversun Pikcups - Comeback Kid
Silversun Pickups' official site. Buy the Pikul EP from Amazon or iTunes Music Store.
Posted by Queen of the Front Row at 01.27.06 at 2:29 AM
Comments
Wow. They are amazing. Looking forward to checking them out SXSW! Thank you.
Posted by: Christine at 01.27.06 at 3:40 PM
Not to get too hyperbolic, but I think Kissing Families may be one of the best songs ever recorded. I've heard rumblings about how good their shows are but have never had a chance to catch them. I'lll definitely be finding them somewhere at SXSW...
Posted by: David at 01.30.06 at 12:21 PM
The Silversun Pickups are such a great band. It looks like they are playing the Porchlight day party this year.
Posted by: Bianca at 02.24.06 at 3:17 PM
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