Silversun Pickups

The other day my friend and I were checking out this awesome music store called CD Plus in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We had ventured out to the east coast of Canada on a road trip. My friend was browsing the CDs and came across an album that he recalled hearing on the radio, a band named Silversun Pickups. He gave it a listen and went on to purchase it. On the drive home we listened to the CD, we enjoyed it so much we listened to it 3 times through.

Silversun Pickups is a band based in Los Angeles, California. In a recent tour they opened for Wolfmother. They create a unique sound, fuzzy melodic harmonies with the occasional harsh vocal thrown in the mix. Its very relaxing music, awesome for driving, which is why it worked so perfectly as road trip entertainment.

The following video is live, so keep that in mind while watching it. An excellent song, possibly my favourite.

Silversun Pickups - Future Foe Scenarios (live)

Xanopticon

Alright, this is not for everyone. Xanopticon is really intense breakbeat electronic music. In the vein of Venetian Snares but with a lot less melody. It has an underlying dark sound, which I would actually say is the saving glory in the music. Being that the music alone is just noise, but the background erie tones are what give it depth. Overall its an intense listen, but a quite enjoyable one.

I'm under the impression that this video is not an official video but seeing as Xanopticon is not very well known, it was all I could find. Its quite a good song, not his best, but still enjoyable and interesting.

Xanopticon - Neurve

Metric

I've been listening to this band for a few weeks now. Mostly their new CD "Old World Underground, Where Are You Now". Almost all of the songs are at least enjoyable if not more. This is one of the few indie rock CD's that I can listen to straight through and enjoy. The band formed in 1998 in New York, and is now based in Toronto Ontario. They produce an interesting sound which, if nothing more, is definitely worth a listen.


Metric - Combat Baby

Aphex Twin

With well over 10 albums under his belt, artist and producer Richard David James is very skilled in what he does. Richard has released albums under various names. Although Aphex Twin is the most predominant and well known, he has also released music under the names AFX and Polygon Window. His sound is hard to describe. Its electronic music, which at times contains strong breakbeat elements, and at other times remains quite laid back, exploring different genres of electronica.


Aphex Twin - On


Aphex Twin - Donkey Rhubarb

Royksopp

This Norwegian electronic band is comprised of 2 men, and has released countless albums. I personally have only heard a hand full of their songs and am quite blown away. Its a catchy melodic sound which I think would be easy for most open minded people to get into.

Here are a few videos. 2 of my favourite songs by the duo. The first video is quite chilling and mysterious. The second is more upbeat and fun.

Royksopp - What Else Is There


Royksopp - Remind Me