Dark, Dark, Dark

I live in a wonderful city (Minneapolis) where there is a rich artistic culture that thrives. This includes the local music scene. So many great musicians and musical admirers that call this city their home and thus help this rich musical culture thrive. With that all being said, I'm continually surprised by the amount of people who still have not yet heard of the local band Dark, Dark, Dark.

This band invokes a darker mood, though not grim.They have a sound similar to Beirut, as they utilize an orchestral sound, but that is also distinct from Beirut. Where Beirut often sounds like they are taking influences from the circus or carnival, Dark, Dark, Dark sounds like they are using influences from Eastern Europe. A darker, melancholy, Eastern European, orchestral sound.

My own experience with Dark, Dark, Dark started with brief exposure to as they were played on The Current. Then I downloaded one of their Daytrotter sessions, which I highly recommend. But the thing that did me in about them was when I saw them perform for The Walker's Music and Movies in the Park. They were commissioned to write and perform a live score to go along with the 1938 silent German film SPIES. The following video is part of that live score and is of one of the greatest live music experiences I've ever experienced (though you must forgive it, as the sound quality is not the greatest).

Oh, and you can find a free download of their single "Daydreaming" over at Bandcamp!

Months of Music

I haven't blogged in a long time, and then about a month ago, my computer died. And you know what the best thing about that is? That was the time that I wanted to blog the most. But I am a lucky girl and now have a temporary computer replacement. I really should be looking up a bus schedule right now, but first I want desperately to share with you some music that I've been digging on the past few months. Ready for it? Set. GO!

Jeremiah Nelson: Saw this guy open up for We Are the Willows. Liked him then, but his music is the kind that grew on me more and more as time went on. So listen to him, but let yourself listen through more than once. If you're anything like me, after about the fifth time you've listened to the album, you will be pumped to pass it along to your friends.

The Milk Carton Kids: I work at this really great cafe in Minneapolis where I have the chance to experience some really great up and coming musicians, and these guys were one of the best gems I've gotten to see there yet. These two guys are out of Los Angeles and are super nice fellas. Their tunes have a nice, mellow Ryan Adams feel to them and they sound just as great live as they do on their album. Their two albums are free on their website, and they also have a really great Daytrotter session, all of which are worth checking out and downloading. Then, if you get a chance, you should find out if they will be coming to your town on tour and see and meet them for yourself. Really, everything about these guys is worth it.

Kalispell: This is a friend's band, but I really am excited about their music. These guys will make something of themselves if they keep with it. Their folky tunes are the type that make you close your eyes and let your body gently sway as you sink deeper into a reminiscent mood. Listen to the following tune to understand what I mean if you don't already:



Their EP, Last Year, is also available to listen to on Bandcamp! And if you are in the Midwest and get a chance to see a show, you should go.