Rockness Recommends
Hot Chip, Shy Child and Born Ruffians rock The Metro
November 1, 2006
We really love Hot Chip, and apparently we're not alone. Their laid-back electro-pop has landed them in the coveted position as a band that crosses genders; both dudes and girls dig them. And that's a recipe for superstardom (just ask Ben Gibbard on his morning stroll to the bank).
This U.K. group is entirely pleasant. You sort of feel a subtle stoneage when listening to them. You slightly smile, bob your head leisurely, and tap your toes as if you didn't have a care in the world and were living smack dab in the middle of your halcyon years. And the best thing about this band is that though they may be chill, they are definitely not boring. Their synths are spunky, their beats are bracing, and their leisurely harmonies are somehow stimulating. They really know how to write a hit too. Tell me "Boys From School" and "Over and Over" (both on their latest album, The Warning) can't be international club/radio hits and my secret belief that you were always an alien will be undoubtedly proven.
Also playing is Shy Child. This uber-catchy synth/drum duo, consisting of Pete Cafarella (synths, vocals) and Nate Smith (drums), formed in NYC in 2000. Before Shy Child, Pete was in El Guapo (Dischord) and was working with the legendary avant composer Anthony Braxton (father of Tyondai). Nate was playing drums in the highly regarded band, Touchdown. Since their formation, Shy Child has moved away from electronics and prog in favor of a slightly more stripped down sound. But their still rich in guitar swirls, keys, and infectious beats that surely would delight any Rapture fan.
Opening is Born Ruffians. The Toronto trio play catchy eccentro-pop that employ those warbled vocals you've heard from Clap Your Hands Say Arcade Femmes. They're down with distortion-free guitars that play high and pretty notes over confused time signatures. Think of their music as sounding sort of like Pinback meets The Unicorns, maybe. Born Ruffians, along with Tokyo Police Club, will lead the charge towards making Toronto the next Montreal. Bet.
Hot Chip, Shy Child and Born Ruffians play The Metro, on Friday, November 10th.
This U.K. group is entirely pleasant. You sort of feel a subtle stoneage when listening to them. You slightly smile, bob your head leisurely, and tap your toes as if you didn't have a care in the world and were living smack dab in the middle of your halcyon years. And the best thing about this band is that though they may be chill, they are definitely not boring. Their synths are spunky, their beats are bracing, and their leisurely harmonies are somehow stimulating. They really know how to write a hit too. Tell me "Boys From School" and "Over and Over" (both on their latest album, The Warning) can't be international club/radio hits and my secret belief that you were always an alien will be undoubtedly proven.
Also playing is Shy Child. This uber-catchy synth/drum duo, consisting of Pete Cafarella (synths, vocals) and Nate Smith (drums), formed in NYC in 2000. Before Shy Child, Pete was in El Guapo (Dischord) and was working with the legendary avant composer Anthony Braxton (father of Tyondai). Nate was playing drums in the highly regarded band, Touchdown. Since their formation, Shy Child has moved away from electronics and prog in favor of a slightly more stripped down sound. But their still rich in guitar swirls, keys, and infectious beats that surely would delight any Rapture fan.
Opening is Born Ruffians. The Toronto trio play catchy eccentro-pop that employ those warbled vocals you've heard from Clap Your Hands Say Arcade Femmes. They're down with distortion-free guitars that play high and pretty notes over confused time signatures. Think of their music as sounding sort of like Pinback meets The Unicorns, maybe. Born Ruffians, along with Tokyo Police Club, will lead the charge towards making Toronto the next Montreal. Bet.
Hot Chip, Shy Child and Born Ruffians play The Metro, on Friday, November 10th.
