Lilac Shadows - Shallow Madness EP (Diggup Tapes, 2012)

Lilac Shadows

Shallow Madness EP

Diggup Tapes

2012

Rating: 7 silent Japanese films out of 10

The Triangle seems to be churning out quality pop bands lately as if it was Athens in the mid-nineties, and Lilac Shadows are one of the newest top contenders.  I specifically mention Athens because I've gotten it stuck in my head that they remind me a lot of Apples in Stereo - not so much that the songs sound exactly the same, but the construction and vibe the tracks get off won't let me shake the comparison.  The music is a little dark, a little swirly, a little shoegaze, and even a little spacy, but all of that is just the window dressing for what are at their heart pure, catchy pop songs.  At times the vocal delivery reminds me of the Rosebuds, even if the voices themselves are pretty different.  The title track "A Shallow Madness" wormed it's way into my head after only a couple of listens, and there isn't a bad song in the bunch.  I could have probably done without the short between song instrumental bits, but it's a minor gripe. 

This is a hell of a debut, strong from start to finish and hopefully just the tip of the iceberg for what is to come. 

TOW3RS - Summertime EP (DiggUp Tapes, 2011)

TOW3RS

Summertime EP

DiggUp Tapes

2011

Rating: 7.5 positron numericals out of 10

TOW3RS (or Towers if you don't speak young folk computer nerdese) are one of the new hot shit bands coming out of the Triangle these days.  Or maybe they're just hot shit to me, because they jumped way up my list of favorite local bands upon seeing them play live only once.  They have an amazing amount of energy, strongly channeling early Of Montreal before they went disco, a little bit of the quirkiness of Danielson Famile, and locally speaking, they probably owe a nod towards the great local act Lonnie Walker.  That last comparison being particularly apt, as the first song and name of this EP, "Summertime" is actually a Lonnie Walker song - but the TOW3RS version is certainly different enough from the original to make it a compelling listen.vvThe remaining three songs on the EP are no slouches either, with closer "Versailles" having a bit of Shins vibe going on with it.  

This appears to be their first recorded output to be released to the masses, and on those terms I'd have to give a strong thumbs up - they sound much more mature than their physical age and the age of the group.  But this release comes nowhere near the energy and excitement of the band in live form - and they may never capture that magic on tape, but here's to hoping. 

If you're interested, you can grab this EP on the cassette label DiggUp Tapes for pretty cheap over here.  I'd definitely recommend it.