Music Video: Ricky Kendall - Ozark County Blues

Gainesville's Ricky Kendall is one of north Florida's little hidden treasures. His previous projects, Jukebox Wagon and Paxico Via Mexico, received some modest notoriety regionally, but it's his more stripped down workingman's roots music that has really been putting him on the proverbial map of late. His music is simultaneously fresh but classic in it's tonality and playfully charming in it's splendid delivery. That along with a powerhouse voice and superlative lyrical stylings will most assuredly have us hearing much more from him in the near future.


This post was contributed by Paul Chapman, Jacksonville (via Tallahassee) musician/ writer extraordinaire. If you like his style make sure to check out his regular column for metrojax, Pump up the Volume.

Music Video: Sleep Party People - A Dark God Heart (NSFW)

I tend not to post NSFW videos (trying to keep it family friendly and such) but for this video I had to make an exception. Beautifully shot and with excellent pacing, its the best music video I've seen so far this year. Beyond that, the video captures the overwhelmingly eerie feel of the music all too perfectly. Sleep Party People take cues from dream pop, shoegaze and a combination of classical and electronic instrumentation to create a uniquely dark vision. If you need a comparison, imagine Gem Club injected with subtle terror, over processed vocals and a healthy dose of Donnie Darko influence. Originally the bedroom project of Danish multi-instrumentalist Brian Batz, the project converted unusually smoothly into a 5 piece for their live performances, which are more than worthy of your time.



A Dark God Heart is the first single off of Sleep Party People's second album, "We Were Drifting on a Sad Song" out April 9th on Blood and Biscuits.

Music Video: Cloud Nothings - No Future/ No Past

Cloud Nothings seem to have a thing for consistently bizarre  music videos. Their visual style on the new video seems to take a hint from their beefier new album, with unnerving realism and a bit of a Paranormal Activity vibe. Its still pretty weird though. Check the video out (thanks to Urban Outfitters?) on vimeo.


Cloud Nothings - "No Future / No Past" Official Video from Urban Outfitters on Vimeo.

Cloud Nothing's incredible sophomore album "Attack On Memory" is out tomorrow. Since I know you're already planning on buying it, you should probably go for broke and grab Porcelain Raft's Strange Weekend, while you're at it.

Yellow Ostrich - I am a Marathon Runner

Originally the solo project of Alex Schaaf, Yellow Ostrich might finally get the recognition they deserve. In the last few years, the band has been making big moves, expanding to a trio (that contains one of indie music's finest multi-instrumentalists) and signing to Barsuk Records. Last year the Barsuk re-released their latest album, and 2012 brings their official label debut. "I am a Marathon Runner" is the first single off of that album, "Strange Land" and a huge artistic leap for the band. Easing off the expressive vocal loops that characterized most of his early work, Marathon Runner is the first song I've heard that even comes close to grasping the full scope of Yellow Ostrich's live performances. The song's explosive drums, and surprisingly emotive guitar line betray an uncanny sense of urgency. The theme extends to the surprisingly deep lyrics, and includes the best chorus I've heard so far this year. Strange Lands is out March 4th on Barsuk, and it just shot to the top of my most anticipated albums list.

Marathon Runner by Yellow Ostrich

Music Video: Active Child - Hanging On

New video from everyone's favorite R&B choir boy Active Child. I guess the video is about fishing, or maybe drowning? I'll let you guys decide what the metaphor is in this one. If you haven't heard  Active Child's debut LP "You Are All I See", I'd highly recommend it.

Aircraft - Jeff Bridges over Troubled Water

If the concept of a local super group is even possible, Aircraft fit the bill. Some of Tallahassee's finest musicians, including Jake Tobin (Fruit Flesh), Malee Brigardner (Moonlasso), James Folker (Water Brother) and Ben Varian all take part in the collective. Last March I got a chance to check them out at Total Bummer, and their sound was more than ambitious enough to match the skills of their members. Taking cues from the most anthemic of indie bands (think Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene) the band tore through one of the best surprise sets of the festival. Nearly a full year later the band is finally unveiling its first release. The demos which were recorded several months ago are already a testament to Aircraft's evolving sound. "Jeff Bridges Over Troubled Water" finds the band basked in warmth, playing a brand of tropical folk that's manages to sound comfortingly familiar without cliche. "Jeff Bridges" is only the first stop Aircraft's continuing evolution, and a fine introduction to one of the most promising bands in town.

Music Video: Labyrinth Ear - Humble Bones

Labyrinth Ear // Humble Bones from Feel Good Lost on Vimeo.
Check my post from a few weeks back for a bit more info on Labyrinth Ear.