Van She – V.

Van She’s (myspace) widely-anticipated debut, V, dropped over the weekend.

To say I’m a massive fan of these guys would be a massive understatement, so frankly, a turd wrapped in tin-foil would have done. Thankfully, V is much more.

First of all, this is pop, people. Yes, there are definite shoegaze moments and even some roaring guitars at some stage (ie.’The Sea’). But overall, Van She have crafted a mainstream-ready, incredibly subtly produced, pop record. And I like it.

Does this mean it’s in ‘guilty pleasure’ territory?

Second, Van She aren’t a hype band anymore. After their two EPs and a slew of Van She Tech remixes (one of which now features on a Onelove compilation), there was a dangerous risk the band would fall into blog-hype territory and never recover. Then they launched a tour entitled ‘Van She Party’. But they’ve come good in the end.

Third, there’s a rejig of ‘Kelly’ on the record. Tell me I’m not alone on this — the original was way better?

Anyway. I’ve listened to it three times today and have no reason to stop.

Track: Van She – Strangers (listen).

The New Deal.

Type The New Deal (myspace) into Google! and you’re more likely to find out about our friend Teddy than an eclectic three-piece out of Toronto, Canada. But I can assure you, unless you’re a budding historian, these guys are a lot cooler than top-down economic policy reform. Blending improv-rock with funky analogue electro melodies reminiscent of Daft Punk, creating a complete live experience is what they’re all about. I first heard their track ‘Gone Gone Gone’ on CBC Radio 3 podcast no. 98, which I recommend you download and listen to for many more reasons (Wolf Parade, Ladyhawk).

(EDIT: 23/5) Just noticed on their myspace that bassist Dan Kurtz is involved with Dragonette, my latest guilty pleasure (number three). What a freakin coincidence.

Speaking of North American electro-rock, I recently heard She, Sir played on SYN – which reminded me it was Get Big, Little Kid who first introduced them to me. Well, Geoff’s blog is still going strong – but a recent post about Victoria’s own Muscles caught my eye: an album is in the works! Can’t wait.

Guilty pleasure number two.

They’re freakin’ everywhere. From number one on the Ministry of Sound Club Charts (yes, I listen to the radio show on the way home from work), to appearing on Sunrise, and of course getting played to death at various establishments — it seems Sneaky Sound System (myspace) couldn’t infiltrate popular culture any further unless they opened a trendy gelateria on Burke Rd.

And lo and behold, I can’t get enough of their latest track ‘UFO’. Whether in Van She Tech remix form (listen) or radio edit, this song treads the fine line between uber-cool and radio-saturation so well it’s not funny.

Like most club hits, the saddest part is the fans. For once, however, you’ll have to count me in. The shame.

Track: Sneaky Sound System – UFO (listen).

(EDIT: So hot it’s been removed from their myspace pending full-blown extravaganza-style single release on the 28th. In the meantime, check the mix which got me into SSS: the Bag Raiders ‘I Love It’ edit.)

Deerhoof.

Just listened to Wolf Parade’s Apologies to the Queen Mary record again, and I have to say, every single track on there is good. Maybe it’s just me and my love of listening to LPs from start to finish (and enjoying them the way the band intended); but I really appreciate an album that’s good from start to finish.

A more recent long player that I’m getting into however, is Deerhoof’s (official::myspace) Friend Opportunity. Kind of an eclectic sound that I probably wouldn’t normally have given a chance, but being aware of my recent electro bias, I’m trying to get back to just listening to music. Their sound combines poppy rhythms with some nice female vocals; but also random horns and percussion instruments thrown in for good measure – and it works well, apparently they’ve built a reputation on the unexpected.

Track: Deerhoof – +81 (listen).

I’m also listening to The Good, the Bad & the Queen’s self-titled LP, and a bit of Voxtrot, my new guilty pleasure is their number ‘Mothers, Sisters, Daughters and Wives’. Reviews later.