Awesome New Republic is B-Rob (Brian Robertson) and MJ (Michael-John Hancock), a creative and impressive young duo out of the University of Miami School of Music. Yes, the soul/rock/electonica formula of their album ANR So Far sounds like the recipe for a fusion disaster, but don't let a long list of labels and slashes fool you: these songs are composed with a perfect blend of studio ingenuity, raw emotion and playful irreverence.
Think of Prince, Jeff Buckley and Postal Service's Jimmy Tamborello sitting down and making a record and perhaps you will have an idea of what to expect when you open up to the aurally sophisticated and emotional genre mish-mash of "Wheels, No Engines." The result of this cocktail is the bastard child of indie rock's edge, soul music's falsetto-induced quivers and all of the laptop dance beat flourishes you can get your ears around.
MP3 Masala: "Wheels, No Engines"-Awesome New Republic
On the other VI featured track, "Going Down," a keyboard vamp and thick R&B groove provide the backdrop for MJ to croon to that "gap toothed beauty with the sentimental booty" in a seductive and nearly romantic song about the desire for oral. Pleasure, that is. Intrigued? Have a listen:
MP3 Masala: "Going Down"-Awesome New Republic
B Rob and MJ recently received some major love from the sticklers at Pitchfork, but I have known of the creative potential of these two since my brother (with whom they went to music school) talked up Empirical Mile, their previous outfit. Then their sound was best described as Radiohead-meets-Phish. After hours at a laptop with their music on repeat, I only wish ANR were that easy to describe.
I lie, of course. That their sound defies easy explanation is precisely what makes them so compelling and interesting. I'll be tongue tied, they'll be brilliant. Sounds about right.
From booty beats to jagged guitars, and back to laptop electronica cascades that melt into single line harmonium melodies, ANR has left me wondering: do they blend, defy or define genres? Pondering esoteric (and irrelevent) questions like that is the province of indie nerds like me. Their duty is only to continue creating this inspired and intelligent music, and yours, dear friends, is only to listen.
Download their entire first album, Witness Now the Birth of an Awesome New Republic, for free at their website or go check out their myspace page for more info and music.
ANR is moving to New York City this summer. Do yourself a favor and get familiar with them now. Madness will ensue, and that's a guarantee.
http://sextasexxx.info x
Posted by: Zmajrih | June 03, 2007 at 11:11 AM