1. The Heartless Bastards
Album: Stairs and Elevators
Favorite song: New Resolution
My Turkish friend introduced me to this awesome band. It's a three piece and I have a place in my heart for trios. The lead singer also plays guitar and piano. Her vocals absolutely kill, so it's easy to overlook that she keeps her guitar work pretty simple. The bass player more than makes up for that by handling the most of the melodies on the bottom end. My burned copy of "Stairs and Elevators" didn't leave my car cd player for at least a month. After prosylatizing everyone I could I finally got to see them on election day of this year. Coincidentally, my good friends Jeremy, Abbie, CJ, and Veronica were at the show. Their second CD, "All This Time" is a tamer sophomore album. They just released "The Mountain" with a new line-up. It's good stuff, but sort of seems like a completely different band compared to "Stairs and Elevators." But that doesn't mean that I won't catch them the next time they come around.
www.theheartlessbastards.com
www.myspace.com/heartlessbastards
2. The Ettes
Album: Look at Life Again Soon
Favorite Song: Crown of Age
Nicole has raved about The Ettes for awhile now. I think I was either too lazy or forgetful to look them up. My first introduction to them was when we played at the Rogue West. The west side is always a little interesting. It's like touring, but in our own city. The PA is a little difficult and I think they move the pool tables over so the band can play in the corner. I'm not complaining, just trying to paint a picture... they treated us very nicely. The Ettes are a three piece fronted by a female... there seems to be a pattern developing. Like the Heartless Bastards, the bass player also holds down many of the melodic riffs while the guitar player wails out some bitchin tunes. I really had to force myself to put something else in my cd player. Poni is the most entertaining drummer I've ever seen. She wails!