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JODIE & VICTOR

Ace new split single and the second release on the Jodie & Victor label.

The Sleeping Bags are a band based in Long Beach, California. Their's is a post-shoegaze sound influenced equally by guitar bands like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive and Ride as well as proto German avant-rock projects like Harmonia, Neu! and Ash Ra Tempel. Sonically, the songs bleed into one another - overlap, repeat, disorient and return with missing structural pieces. The musical complexity is complimented by a visceral, overwhelmingly loud live sound that translates to their recorded work.

Mystery Claws is a Los Angeles-based duo, consisting of Matt Kivel, music critic and co-songwriter for symphonic indie rock band Princeton, and filmmaker/musician Julia Bembenek. Largely influenced by the country-folk tradition of Southern California - albeit the frayed edges of that tradition more than its mellow middlebrow - the pair are just as keen to explore unexpected turns of melody and crashes of distortion, paying just as much attention to the sudden eruptions as the steady grooves. "Phony Checks" is a propulsive pop tune that owes as much to The Replacements as The Gun Club.

STAFF COMMENTS

Laura says: A cracking split single this! Sleeping Bags play a sort of mangled shoegazey afro-pop, with overlapping layers and odd time changes. Mystery Claws "Phoney Checks" rattles along on a propulsive rhythm of snare drum and hand claps. Fits nicely alongside the likes of Best Coast and The Soft Pack.

Princeton release their UK debut "Calypso Gold" on Jodie & Victor records. growing up on Princeton Street in Santa Monica, twin brothers Jesse and Matt Kivel and childhood friend Ben Usen started playing together as a group in the late 90s, but officially formed Princeton during a year long stay in London. The band now lives in the Eagle Rock district of LA where their album was recorded. Fittingly for such a broad range of lyrical touchstones, the band's musical influences stretch just as wide, taking in everything from "Something Else" era; Kinks to Serge Gainsbourg, New Order, Arthur Russell, Scott Walker, Yo La Tengo and Gilberto Gil. "Calypso Gold" features lush strings and infectious, syncopated percussion for an effect that's wistful and even a little danceable.

STAFF COMMENTS

Andy says: Breezy Baroque pop with a nice lilt . A poppier Grizzly Bear? It's cute.

Laura says: I love this. Afro-beat tinged pop with lush strings and slightly folk-ish leanings. Imagine a very subtle amalgamation of Vampire Weekend, Animal Collective and Fleet Foxes!


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