MP3 Masala: Pela

A good song can stop you in your tracks. On the train this morning, on my seventh-or-so spin of Pela's "The Trouble With River Cities," the day's personal drama mixed with Billy McCarthy's nostalgic lyrics, and I was left in awe. I stopped thinking of The National, Modest Mouse and Coldplay, and I broke out in a goosebump or two. I listened to this Brooklyn band all weekend, but this morning their sound really clicked for me.

MP3 Masala: Pela - "The Trouble With River Cities"

MP3 Masala: Pela - "Lost to the Lonesome"

Honest lyrics, deft guitar work, smart arrangements and subtle, infectious hooks. Some songs jitter, others lilt and float, but each one brings something compelling to the fore. Pela's a band worth your time. Also, peep this vid of "Spy Pocket," from their set opening for Flaming Lips down at South By.

How great is the name Pela?  When I asked guitarist Nate Martinez about the name's origination, he gave me some vague answers but ultimately said that "somewhere along the way the music grew into the name, and the name grew into the music." I tend to agree.

If you missed their residency last month, check 'em out at the Delancey on May 12th, where we're promised there's "something 'unique' happening that evening." Stream another three tunes from their MySpace, and expect the band's second EP around July, with a full length album recorded and ready to go. Get involved.

Comments

[charlotte]

I like. good voice, and the bass kinda plays like a lead -- a nice effect. the myspace songs are good too. damn, too much great stuff out there. where has my inner snob gone?!

[mjrc]

dammit, amrit, you've done it again! these guys are great. i like the way the bass is featured, too, and the guy's voice is killer.

do you get that a lot, "dammit, amrit" ?

[Amrit]

I do, mjrc. But for all the wrong reasons. ;)

[jamesdean]

Piling on over here, but this is some great shite Amrit. I'll def be at Delancey!