eMusic INdorsement gets eLectronic
by Jarret Green ~ July 3rd, 2009. Filed under: Music.
Thanks to acts like Justice, Cut Copy, LCD Soundsystem, and a more-popular-than-ever Daft Punk, electronic music has enjoyed something of a renaissance as a pop medium this decade. Inspired by Kid A and lesser-known acts, like Rah Bras, bands like the Faint and the Gossip have abandoned the tried-and-true formula of guitar, bass, and drums. The traditional band formula has lost its status as necessary prerequisite for indie cred or alternative stardom (the unpleasantness of the latter term noted), except for with the most puritanical of rockists.
The unfulfilled promises of big beat’s run throughout the late-90s American charts (e.g. Prodigy’s Fat of the Land, The Chemical Brothers’ Dig Your Own Hole, Fatboy Slim’s You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby) have finally been answered, although more so in quality than in SoundScan quantities. DJs, lappop geeks, and synth nerds are now rock stars capable of filling stadiums and headlining huge festivals.
In recognition of this trend and their new album, due out this September, this week’s eMusic INdorsement spotlights Vitalic’s OK Cowboy. Of the more recognizable electronic artists, the 2005 effort most closely resembles The Chemical Brothers’ earlier, darker work. However, Vitalic don’t obviously reference pop structures. Their songs tend to progress by building tension (often highlighted by repetitive, garbled vocals).
Take, for example, “Poney Part I.” The brilliant video visualizes the bands approach: take elements that have become mundane, slow them down, manipulate them with effects, add the right small touches, and you’ve got an entertaining, but slightly unsettling, product.
After you to sign up for your free eMusic trial and enjoy your 25 free downloads, also check out the infectious “Woo,” which sounds like Fatboy Slim’s antiquated sound updated for the jaded 21st-century youths in purple jeans.
We’ll also hit you with a preview of Vitalic’s forthcoming album. Here’s the video for “Your Disco Song.”