Cool Happy Genius Heroes

For the Record: Sufjan Stevens “Carrie & Lowell”

March 31, 2015

Sufjan Stevens offers up his most emotionally charged and accessible record to date with Carrie & Lowell (Asthmatic Kitty). Stripped and void from the electronically driven element of his most prior releases, Sufjan gets intimate and brings a gut-wrenching record filled with fear, despair, and often the unknown.

Being a long time Sufjan fan, like most, it is notable his extreme growth as a songwriter and musician. Carrie & Lowell proves to be his most honest and heartwarming album to date. Stevens has always been a great story teller, but this time, he manages to outdo himself. The carefully crafted songs are intertwined with intrigue and passion; allowing him to let his guard down.

“Death with Dignity,” the first piece on the album, sets the tone of his re-found musical roots. Personally for me this is perhaps how Sufjan shines the most. Without any distractions, the focus is brought on his vocal work, and intricate instrumentation that streams throughout the album. His ability to write songs that will literally bring you to tears, is haunting in its own right. “Should Have Known Better,” acts as a personal song to his mother who abandoned him at a young age; “She left us at that video store,” sings Sufjan, as you can feel his pain. No lyric has ever felt so real that you can actually experience the despair in his voice.

“All of Me Wants All of You,” is startling with its perfection, both in music and production. The harmonies are heavenly, as they weave throughout the guitars. This theme carries out effortlessly and flawlessly in Carrie & Lowell; most notably on “Fourth of July;” which is possibly the best song Sufjan has ever penned. Stevens heartbreak and fear are at the forefront as he lays his feelings on the table. “We’re all going to die,” he croons with a believable force behind him, and a dark piano accompanying in the background.

To be honest, it’s almost hard to review Carrie & Lowell. I find myself sitting here, just listening to these skillfully crafted songs, and taking it all in. With every listen, these tracks send chills down my spine. It is so gorgeously created that I don’t want to miss even the slightest harmony.

Nearing the end of the album is the title track, “Carrie & Lowell,” which hints at elements of older Stevens in his most formative years, banjo in tow. That being said, the song still manages to keep up with the overall theme and musical aspirations of the record. This proves each song has been carefully placed, without any puzzle pieces missing.

Carrie & Lowell is Sufjan’s finest masterpiece to date. Somehow he always manages to outdo himself, but in this case, he has gone above and beyond to create an album that will stir up every emotion in your mind, and make you ponder the most intricate of questions about everything you fear, doubt, love, and admire. Sufjan is not only a musician, but he is an incredible storyteller and songwriter that stops at nothing to get his point across; even if that means exposing his most inner insecurities and fears for the world to hear. That’s okay though, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? Sufjan let’s us know that we’re not in this alone. We’re never alone.
Music: Viet Cong Announce Tour Dates; Get a Helping Hand at SXSW

March 25, 2015

Calgary’s Viet Cong have just accomplished a successful stint at SXSW this year. Usually this is no big deal; they’re Viet Cong. Of course their performance was going to be dead on. This time things played out a bit differently, as all the buzz was focused on Michael Wallace’s one handed performance. He unfortunately broke his left hand, and played with it wrapped up and in a sling. Given I can barely play the drums on a good day with two unbroken hands (sorry Mom and Dad for the drumset gaining dust in your basement), Wallace slayed it; making it an unforgettable performance for SXSW goers. With a little help from Metz drummer, Hayede Menzies, and Swans’ Thor, Wallace played his heart out….as usual.

I’m not sure it gets any more Rock n’ Roll than this.

And speaking of Viet Cong, the group have just announced more tour dates today, which includes stops at Pitchfork and Osheaga. Be sure to check those out below, alongside their must see KEXP session.

Watch Viet Cong’s KEXP Session, HERE

Tour Dates

03.24.15 – Larimer Lounge – Denver, CO
03.25.15 – Kilby Court – Salt Lake City, UT
03.26.15 – Treefort Music Fest – Boise, ID
03.27.15 – Barboza – Seattle, WA
03.28.15 – Biltmore Cabaret – Vancouver, BC
03.29.15 – Upstairs Cabaret – Victoria, BC
05.8.15 – Shaky Knees Festival – Atlanta, GA
06.6.15 – Field Day – London, UK
6.12.15 – Voyeur – Philadelphia, PA
6.13.15 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
6.14.15 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
6.16.15 – Sinclair – Boston, MA
6.17.15 – College Street Music Hall – Hamden, CT
6.18.15 – Rock and Roll Hotel – Washington, DC
7.31.15 – Osheaga – Montreal, QC
Music: Michael Stec Releases Indie Pop-tastic, “Party Dress”

March 24, 2015

MICHAEL STEC is a phenomenal new talent that hails from Philadelphia. Just premiering his indie pop-esque new single, “Party Dress,” the singer shares a song that is both unique and familiar. The piano driven song is highlighted by Stec’s accessible and vibrant vocals; bringing the song into the limelight. Stec’s knack for writing catchy hooks and brilliant harmonies proves to be a talent in its own right. His melodies will swirl in your head and hypnotize you with every listen.

Michael Stec was born in Philadelphia and shortly after moved to Hawaii with his family, following his father who was serving as a physician for the Army. He grew up learning a variety of instruments in his free time, often playing with some of his 10 other siblings.

Later on, he moved back to Pennsylvania, where he then started a Youtube page to showcase his music that has since garnered over a million views to date. Michael spent a brief amount of time in Boston attending Berklee College of Music where he met another student, Aidan McMurry, who later became his manager and the two began to professionalize Michael’s music.

Most recently, Michael was the victim of song plagiarism and made national news in Sweden that has since earned Michael and his music attention from all over the world.
Music: Post Modern Authors Unveil New Record; New Single “Modern Love”

March 24, 2015

Hailing from Boston, MA, meet Post Modern Authors. The indie rock band has twinges of modern folk laced throughout, creating a sound that is unique, yet accessible. Playing on the edges of dark and quiet, their music is an explosive landscape of sound. The band has recently released their self-titled debut Post Modern Authors in January 2015, unveiling their new single, “Modern Love.”

Post Modern Authors is Meghan Seeberg (guitar/vocals) Andrew Sullivan (guitar/vocals), Michelle Amirault (bass/banjo), Dominic Dellaquila (lead guitar), and Emily Seeberg (drums). An impromptu musical jam session brought the group together one evening, and their chemistry was so strong, their musical aspiration immediately grew. With influences such as Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, and First Aid Kid among others, the band’s innovative sound is like a breath of fresh air.

Post Modern Authors play music that resonates with them on a personal level, letting the listener decide the result. The group explores topics of past experiences, stories, and the dark places of the mind; letting listeners fully interpret each piece for themselves on an intimate level. Songwriting also proves to be a captivating process for the band. The members of Post Modern Authors draw, and feed from each others’ energy, embracing their different styles and sounds. Approaching each song as if they are on the outside as the listener, their alluring sound awakens and brings their creativity to life, and into their record.
Music: Buffalo Rodeo’s New Single, “Blue Sky,” Channels Tame Impala, Mac DeMarco

March 24, 2015

Buffalo Rodeo’s new EP, 123 Water (Jeffery Drag Records), dances a line between classical ethereal sounds reminiscent of 70’s bands like Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac and modern psychedelic variations like Mac DeMarco and Tame Impala. A considerable maturation from their 2013 release, Home Videos, Buffalo Rodeo strives to combine tight rhythms and ambient melodies with expressive vocal harmonies on their newest release. The group have just premiered their new single, “Blue Sky” via Huffington Post.

Formed around 2008 in a music-thirsty gulch of the hills of Bowling Green, KY around the likes of Cage the Elephant, Sleeper/Agent, and Morning Teleportation, Buffalo Rodeo has worked tirelessly as an independent band securing shows at festivals such as The Big To-Do Festival, Starry Nights Music & Arts Festival, and Riot Fest, as well as booking tours in around 25 states in 2013 alone.

Comprised of original members Nate Davis (guitar), Zach Preston (vocals), and Ryan Gilbert (drums), Buffalo Rodeo added Jordan Reynolds (keys, vocals) in 2012 along with Patrick Duncan (bass) and Kevin Creambus (van) the following year to result in a road-hungry combination ready to bring vibrations to all the right eardrums.

Buffalo Rodeo also enjoys tossing a Frisbee in alleyways, kicking volleyballs onto rooftops, Taco Bell (out of necessity), driving long stretches of vast nothingness in the American Midwest (necessity, again), sleeping on couches, cramming in vans, Nawlin’s voodoo, and meeting friendly folks all across the country.

Tour Dates:
3/23 – The Drop Chapel – Norman, OK
3/24 – The Hunt Club – Tulsa, OK
3/25 – The Backspace – Fayetteville, AR
3/26 – House Show – Little Rock, AR
3/27 – JP’s – Paducah, KY
3/28 – Hilltop Fest – Bowling, KY
4/16 – PGs – Evansville, IL
5/9 – Virginia Avenue Folk Festival – Indianapolis, IN
Music: Australia’s Little Earthquake Comes Alive

March 24, 2015

LITTLE EARTHQUAKE is the brainchild of siblings Mathew and Justin Hyland. The group have just premiered their stunning new video for”I Am Alive,” and are making their way to the rest of the world.

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, the duo are keen students of indie pop with the inclination to cross genres within songs. The project formed whilst the Hyland brothers were touring America as guest members for U.S group Lydia.

The brothers teamed up with producer Lachlan Mitchell (The Jezabels, Pnau) in 2013 to create their Debut Release, The Brightside EP; a synth driven acoustic Indie Pop sound with sprinkles of rhyme and reggae.

In 2014, Little Earthquake toured Australia multiple times, supporting the singles “Planets” and “Brightside.” Little Earthquake‘s video for “Planets” was aired for 13 consecutive weeks on the National ABC TV show Rage, and played on radio stations across Australia including Triple J.

Little Earthquake returned to the studio again with Lachlan Mitchell in November 2014, after 10 months of touring, to start work on the next batch of songs.The band will be touring the U.S. later this year. Which definitely means good things for the band, and your ears.
Music: The Great Work Get Heavy with “Medicate the Babies Awake”

March 7, 2015

THE GREAT WORK have just released their new single titled “Medicate the Babies Awake,” the first in a series of singles that will be brought to life in the next several weeks. The heavy-hitting track indulges in intricate guitars and standout vocals, making a song that will appeal to the masses.

THE GREAT WORK is an American rock band from the San Francisco suburb of Antioch, formed in December 2013. The band consists of frontman Mitchell Young, guitarists Jacob Broughton and AJ Manalaysay, bassist Matt Rush and drummer Will Jenkins. With an emphasis on melody, The Great Work blends a progressive thought process into a dark yet harmonious soundscape with intricate guitars and rhythmic patterns complementing each other systematically. Colorful, meaningful with bits of wet.

Listen; The Great Work “Medicate the Babies Awake”
https://soundcloud.com/citybirdpr/the-great-work-medicate-the-babies-awake
Music: Tom Levin “Them Buffalo”

February 1, 2015

Tom Levin is a musical gem in his own right. Recently he has released his new album. Them Buffalo, which is laced with folk tendencies and rock rebellion. Levin grew up in Sweden, before relocating to Australia for University where he began to write songs. Garnering critical acclaim with his accessible brand of music, Levin proves to be an unstoppable musical force. Them Buffalo is the sixth album that Levin has released, and the second he has put out this year alone. The earlier 2014 album titled Them Feet, is a slower approach to music, as Them Buffalo proves to be a faster and more vibrant take on his musical endeavors. Kicking off the record is the upbeat and friendly “Thunder On.” Right off the bat, the piece sets the tone for the rest of the record. Levin’s voice is uplifting and surrounded by melodic harmonies that chime throughout. The resonating acoustic guitars bring the song to life, adding an enchanting sound to the record. “Mind’s Eye,” was an instant favorite on the record. Static handclaps set the tone over acoustic guitars and haunting voices that introduce the song. Levin’s voice joins with a spark of life, accompanied with a stunning light string section that carries throughout. “Everyday” breathes a different life into the record as it proves to be one of the more accessible tracks on the record. Soulful vocal harmonies accompany Levin which is a nice addition to the song. Up next is “History, Beliefs, and Bearded Men,” which takes the album down in notch in tone. The song is full of soul, straight from the heart. The track is heartbreaking, yet beautifully done in every way. This piece is a tearjerker for sure. “Different Drums,” carries along in the same vein with a subtle pace. Levin’s voice is soft yet prominent as his guitar playing is likened to Ryan Adams’ later records. “More Than a Song,” proves to be an epic piece in its own right, chiming in right from the start with a bright organ-like instrument that takes us for a musical journey. Levin’s voice is accessible and this is perhaps his best performance on the record. “Girl from Nova Scotia,” is utter perfection with intense acoustic guitars and Levin’s voice sing-talking its way through, to make the song unique from the rest, and one of the most memorable. “Schizo,” really shows off Levin’s talent for writing insightful storylines in his lyrics, making each piece very real. “Summered,” another track on the record that stood out to me greatly, is laced with slide guitar work, handclaps, and prominent acoustic guitars. The vocal harmonies breathe new life into the work, making a gorgeous creation. Closing the record is “Margaret’s House (featuring Aimee Bobruk). The combination of Levin’s and Bobruk’s vocals are beyond gorgeous. It is like their voices were made to sing together. Their heavenly sound channel a bit of 80s nostalgia, but they bring to the table a sound that is very much their own. Tom Levin’s Them Buffalo, proves to be a stunning record that is filled with folk-rock tendencies. The music of Tom Levin will appeal to music listeners from all over the board…and with a songwriting talent like his, it is to be expected.
About Cool Happy Genius Heroes

January 31, 2015

Welcome to Cool Happy Genius Heroes. We are a collective of journalists, ranging from the budding to experienced. Launched in early 2015, Cool Happy Genius Heroes currently covers an array of Indie music from across the board. Later this Spring, we will be launching on an even bigger basis, including categories such as Art, Fashion, Literature and more, with an esteemed set of writers in tow.

We would love to listen to, read, watch, and admire anything you would like to send our way. With our home based primarily in New York City, we also have writers spread across that nation.

For music, please feel free to send any albums, tracks, press releases, tour dates, interview requests and other inquiries our way.

Please currently send all materials to Melissa Nastasi at:
Melissa@CoolHappyGeniusHeroes.com

Hope to hear from you soon!
Cool Happy Genius Heroes
Sufjan Stevens Announces “Carrie & Lowell”

January 13, 2015

It has been way too long since we’ve heard from Indie God, Sufjan Stevens, and luckily 2015 sees his return to the spotlight. Today Stevens announced he will be releasing his latest masterpiece, Carrie & Lowell, an album which is named after his Mother and Stepfather. The release will be his first in almost five years since the game-changing The Age of the Adz.

Though Stevens remained in the spotlight with new Christmas music, his side project Sisyphus, his upcoming score for a rodeo documentary, and even appearing in Europe with The National. Carrie & Lowell, which consists of 11-tracks, will be out on March 31st in North America via Asthmatic Kitty. The latest press release shares the trailer as well as some insight from Stevens as he returns to his stripped down and dreamy folk-laced acoustic roots.

According to the press release the songs are about “life and death, love and loss, and the artist’s struggle to make sense of the beauty and ugliness of love.”

Carrie & Lowell:

01 Death With Dignity
02 Should Have Known Better
03 All of Me Wants All of You
04 Drawn to the Blood
05 Fourth of July
06 The Only Thing
07 Carrie & Lowell
08 Eugene
09 John My Beloved
10 No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross
11 Blue Bucket of Gold