New Year, New Music

We are only into the second week of the new year and already there is lots of great new music. I think everyone in the world knows that the Shins are releasing their newest disc Wincing The Night Away, on January 23rd, and they will make a few high profile TV appearances on Saturday Night Live (January 13th) and Late Night With David Letterman (Jan. 23rd). The first date on their current tour will be at the First Avenue in Minneapolis on February 8th, this will be closest they'll come to Winnipeg.

SHINS - Phantom Limb

SONDRE LERCHE - Phantom Punch
The year of the Phantom, you think? Anyone familiar with Sondre's music will be interested to hear him explore his "rock" side a little more. His previous releases, Faces Down and Two-Way Monologue rely heavily on Sondre's smooth vocals, classic pop sounds and lush melodies, while 2006's Duper Sessions was more acoustic and band focused. The songs on Phantom Punch definitely have been punched up both in volume and tempo. This album will surely catch the attention of the masses and Sondre Lerche will get the critical acclaim from North American audiences he truly deserves, trust me on this one.

SONDRE LERCHE - Airport Taxi Reception
SONDRE LERCHE - The Tape
SONDRE LERCHE - Say It All
SONDRE LERCHE - John, Let Me Go (also known as "Johnny Johnny Ooh Ooh")

SUKI BROWNIES - Suki Brownies
I don't know too much about this band, I read their bio on their Myspace site and from I can gather the band is from Lyon, France and their lead singer Suki is actually from England (she has a distinct British accent sometimes when she sings/talks). The songs ranges from Britpop to melodic, piercing guitar rock to a hypnotic electronic sound overlayed with poetic texts. A very interesting listen, I believe they are still indie, so this may be hard to find...impressive debut.

SUKI BROWNIES - A Billion
SUKI BROWNIES - Papa
SUKI BROWNIES - For Me
SUKI BROWNIES - Cregs