“I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life.” – “Lazy Eye,” Silversun Pickups.
Silversun Pickups’ long overdue debut LP will finally be coming out on July 25 via Dangerbird Records. I have been waiting with baited breath for this day since the long sunny days back in 2002 when I lived in Los Angeles and first saw the band via a friend’s recommendation. Until the release of Pikul last summer, and a few demos from some friends, all I had to keep my Silversun Pickups fix going was a few homemade compilations from the Silverlake bands that were never officially released.
Carnavas was produced by Dave Cooley (MF Doom, Madlib, Z-Trip) and mixed by Tony Hoffer (Suede, Supergrass, Belle & Sebastian). While it may look like a clash of the Titans having such varied people working with them, it actually works in the band’s favor because the end product is something special. I have to admit, I am so happy that Nikki Monniger’s voice is being used more on this album, because it works with Brian Aubert’s raspy, yet strangely comforting, vocals. It also should go without saying that this band’s sound is like nothing else out there. The best way to describe it would be that they remind me of one part Hum, one part Smashing Pumpkins, and everything else I loved about ’90s alternative music. They combine these influences into something new, refreshing and different.
“Melatonin” is the fuzzy noisy opener with perfect pitch male/female harmonies and screams to be a summer hit. Every time I have played this track I cant help but bob my head along like some crazed out rock fan at a show. Up next is “Well Thought Out Twinkles.” This song needs to be on alternative radio now. Are you listening programmers? This is what alternative music is; it’s not that generic crap that you hear out there clogging up the airwaves. Up next is “Checkered Floor,” a new tune that proves Silversun Pickups have mastered walking between the fine line of abrasive angry rock and beautiful indie masterpieces. It’s something that a lot of bands need to learn. Best part about this track? The vocals that bleed into the My Bloody Valentine-ish shoegazer jam about two and a half minutes into the song. Other notable tracks include the live favorite “Lazy Eye,” “Dream At Tempo 119,” “Rusted Wheel” and the dreamy lullaby-esque “Three Seed.”
I hate making predictions this early in the year. However, Silversun Pickups are currently holding that oh-so-coveted #1 title spot for my personal best this year. It would have to take something pretty impressive to bump them from my top spot, and I seriously doubt that’s going to happen.
Silversun Pickups
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