alone is the band’s new full-length for xemu records (Dead Meadow, Spindrift) and their first official output since 2005’s self titled album. recorded in a church in the outback of australia and mixed by alan moulder (my bloody valentine, interpol, jesus and mary chain) in london and in part inspired by their time living in new york, alone seems like an album out of time and space. taken as a whole work their sound is connected with beautiful melodies, sublime harmonies, shimmering guitars and a cavernous reverb that touches everything. elements of twee psychedelia,communal bliss shoegaze, sharp acoustic passages and even the ominous mood of 80’s goth permeate the album.
The Morning After Girls at Hi-Dive on 10/11 – Denver, CO
It is the day after The Morning After Girls came into my life. Well, I would have to say they came into my life the same way they did for many others at the Hi Dive in Denver…with unexpected force. And I mean that in a good way.
The band preceding was no joke, either. Royal had a stage presence and character I really appreciated. Their music set the stage for The Morning After Girls with dance beats and catchy lyrics. Albeit a different sound completely, the energy in the room was ready with open arms for the performance of TMAG.
Their pulsing textures started the set. They stood tall and stoic as they began to sing. That’s when I was blown away and shocked. The two male voices were almost in constant motion together with tandem harmonies. Individually they all made simple sounds that combined like a sonic blanket that covered the whole room with musical warmth. I kept thinking that they each reminded me of a simple and beautiful tree that made up an entire forest of radiant color. That sounds artsy maybe, but it’s true.
The Morning After Girls are breathtaking. They have a sensibility in delivery that you can dance and meditate to at the same time. I love their idea about how to write and package a song. I tried to gather my ideas of bands to which their sound may be compared. But none of it amounted to more than a fleck in the process. What do they sound like? They sound like passion. You can go to their website and see what you think yourself and I encourage it.
As I listened and watched, I realized that what they sometimes did not portray in dramatic dynamic shifts, they more than made up for in force and drive. Perhaps that has more to do with their sense of designing a set list that engages everyone right out of the gate. As they drove on through their music, they showed a keen ability to start tunes with washy tones and then they kick it into high gear and carry in their arms for the ride.
While tricky to say what element contributes the most to this experience, I am sure most people would agree that their vocals stand out above the dreamy story they tell with instruments. I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears. Look out for these guys and be sure to attend their show if they are touring near you soon. You will walk away happy.
By Stephan Hume.
