The O-town Scene

New Music Notes by Mark Boshnack are sounding like per- fect recommendations for the summer. Cults “Cults” Cults released their self-titled album last month. Not to be mistaken with The Cult, a British rock band from the ’80s, this group got its start recently after posting three songs on an indie music blog. They have gone straight to a major label, but have been reticent about releasing information about themselves. For now they are identifying themselves as Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin _ though I’m not buying it. In a Spin magazine interview, Oblivion said that the band’s name and the use of clips of cult leaders as background in some of the tunes is meant to be ironic, with the songs of- fering listeners a message to follow your own course. He’s right there. Their sound is strong on vocals, using the “wall of sound,” that Phil Spector made popu- lar, especially with some ’60s girl groups. The title song, “Abducted,” is a strong one, starting with some simple guitar strumming and a clean bright vocal accompanied by a rhythm section that uses a glockenspiel, the listener can be forgiven if they don’t get the irony of the lyrics for the first 38 seconds. But when the band kicks in, it’s clear that this is no simple love song. It reminds me a little of the Ting Tings. (Isn’t it about time for a new album from them?) That’s followed by “Go Outside,” the single from this album. After an intro from cult leader Jim Jones reminding us that “but to me death is not a fearful thing, its living that’s treacherous,” they sing another catchy sum- mer song ... with a dark side. “I really want to go outside and stop to see your day/ You really want to hole up/ You Two recent albums really want to stay inside and sleep the light away.” Then with the attitude that so many of the songs have, the narrator ends by singing, “I think I want to live my life, and you’re just in my way.” Other songs you want to listen to are “Most Wanted,” “Never Saw the Point” and “Bad Things.” This group, whoever they are, pres- ents an ironic view on relationships and has a great sound that is perfect for a summer day. Kurt Vile, “Smoke Ring For My Halo” More suitable for a sultry, summer night is Kurt Vile (that’s really his name), a Phila- delphia guitarist and singer. He has taken several influences _ including the fingerpick- ing style guitar of John Fahey and vocals of Lou Reed _ and come up with a lo-fi sound that can be brooding and edgy on “Smoke Ring For My Halo.” He gets the listener involved right from the opening song. When he sings: “I get sick of just about every- one/ and I hide in my baby’s arms,” it’s clear this is a man who is willing to share his innermost thoughts. “Jesus Fever” shows Vile’s ability to craft a song that is catchy and full of interesting lyr- ics. “Puppet to the Man” has a snarling sound with a Velvet Underground influence, backed by a band that rocks with an attitude. He compared the band’s sound in an interview to Neil Young and Crazy Horse, and that is definitely here in this and similar tracks. “Peeping Tom” is another example of his fingerpicking style sharing his personal tales on an album that grows with each listening. Mark Boshnack is a reporter for The Daily Star and a mu- sic fiend. He can be reached at mboshnack@thedailystar. com. Have news to share? E-mail tips and ideas to Scene Editor Cassandra Miller at editor@otownscene.com July 7, 2011 O-Town Scene 5

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