Considering that I've already compared the SoftLightes' sound to Christmas music, It's difficult to imagine what an actual holiday song by Modular's resident Californian indie popsters could possibly sound like. Their regular music makes me want to cut out paper snowflakes and decorate cookies with gooey frosting.
SoftLightes bring just a little more to the table this time around with their environmentally conscious holiday single 'The Last Christmas on Earth'. One can grasp from the title alone that this is perhaps not your ordinary 'sleigh ride' or 'winter wonderland' type holiday ditty. Despite the serious topic at hand, SoftLightes manage to pull off a heart warming and cheerful sounding holiday jam, complete with Ron Fountenberry's sugary sweet vocals and a diverse musical arrangement that includes strings and bells. No Christmas classic is complete without bells. Let's also not forget the chants throughout the song, commanding us to dance. What more could you possibly want in a holiday song?
'The Last Christmas' is available for digital download only, starting December 11th. Stream the song here to have a listen, and then download the song from iTunes or another digital retailer if you are able to! All proceeds go to the Sydney based eco-charity Earth Hour.
What do Krozm, Van She and Midnight Juggernauts have in common? For starters, they're all Australian. Secondly, they're all amazing. It may or may not be obvious to you that Van She and Midnight Juggernauts are bands; but who or what exactly is Krozm? Their myspace informs us that Krozm is a collective comprised of five humans (Chris Hill, Ewan Macleod, Lachlan Dickie, Brandon Tay and from time to time, Dan Bronsema) who specialize in video, film, direction, cinematography, animation, design and interpretive dance.
Whether Krozm are kidding about the interpretive dancing or not, I do not know. It seems laughable, but interpretive dance would be almost too appropriate to list, considering that their videosdo feature some dazzlingly killer moves and editing.
These lads are based out of Melbourne, Australia and are responsible for directing some of my favorite music videos as of late. Krozm typically make the type of videos that you watch and wonder 'how can someone (or five someones) have the brain to come up with any of this stuff?!' I've come across people that hate any video (or any piece of art, for that matter) if they cannot wrap their brain around the concept of it or figure out where the logic is. If you often find yourself staring at the screen in confusion and anger when shown a moderately abstract video, then sadly you may not like Krozm. However, If you're anything like myself and love seeing things like random deer heads on a human body juxtaposed with interesting editing and camera work, then you just might love the creations of Krozm.
The boys of Krozm have created a visual masterpiece for Van She's new single 'Cat And The Eye'. What I love about this video other than the bizarre costumes, is mainly the way the camera never stops panning right or left, circling around, or focusing out and back in. The effect is dizzying, and somehow it almost feels as if you're the one moving. The song itself is a lot more commercial sounding in comparison to the sparkling 80's reminiscent space pop previously heard from Van She. Still, Van She prove further that they know how to drop an addicting melody. If I heard this song on mainstream radio here in the U.S. it would be a welcomed change to what is typically played. Look forward to a full Van She album being released soon on Modular.
Krozm have made a whole slew of videos for Melbourne band Midnight Juggernauts. 2007 saw the release of Midnight Juggernauts' full length debut Dystopia, released on Siberia Records. With a synth-rock sound that draws influence from Daft Punk, ELO, Giorgio Moroder, 70's sci-fi/horror film score music/Goblin; Midnight Juggernauts somehow manage to create a unique sound as mysterious and expansive as outer space itself. My favorite Midnight Juggernauts video may also be one of Krozm's simplest. The key ingredients are fog, lights and mirrors.
Again, the way that the camera pans and appears to dance around the band members is what truly makes this video great. It's incredible that simple things such as lights and mirrors in conjunction with a camera could create something so beautiful and fascinating to watch. What's even more impressive is how perfectly the atmosphere and visual aesthetics of the video match up with the song.
Check out more Midnight Juggernauts videos directed by Krozm here.
The Modular label has put out some of my favorite albums of 2007. It's difficult to pinpoint one favorite, with new releases from New Young Pony Club, Chromeo, Klaxons, and Muscles (just to name a few) circulating at the same time. Most of these albums make me want to dance and pump my fist in the air a few times. SoftLightes offer up something completely different: indie pop perfection.
SoftLightes craft beautiful pop songs with melodies that are liable to melt your heart into a puddle of goo. Their clever lyrics could perhaps draw comparison to The Flaming Lips, but I personally prefer and adore SoftLightes much more. It's difficult to believe that absolutely no one I know has heard of these guys yet. Even so, you just might recall frontman and multi-instrumentalist Ron Fountenberry, formerly of the electro pop act The Incredible Moses Leroy.
SoftLightes hail from sunny San Diego, California, but I can't help thinking that there is no better music to help one get through a chilly late fall/early winter's day here in the northeast. Their songs make me want to cut out paper snowflakes and curl up in front of a fireplace with a mug full of hot cocoa. It's sort of like that strange thing that happens when a song sounds like it could be a Christmas song, yet it's not, and it is in fact better than most Christmas songs. Without a doubt, SoftLightes will generate the warmth you need to keep warm and cozy throughout the long winter.
Check out the visually stunning video for 'The Microwave Song' directed by Kris Moyes.
If you're anything like me, It won't be long before you have 'The Microwave Song' stuck in your head for weeks or possibly years. Be prepared to start singing 'I am just a Microwave, I am just a Microwave, I am JUST A Microwave' repeatedly around friends, family, and coworkers. You should probably also prepare to have the debut full length album by SoftLightes 'Say No! to Being Cool. Say Yes! to Being Happy.' quickly become one of your new favorite albums of 2007.
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Considering that I've already compared the SoftLightes' sound to Christmas music, It's difficult to imagine what an actual holiday song by Modular's resident Californian indie popsters could possibly sound like. Their regular music makes me want to cut out paper snowflakes and decorate cookies with gooey frosting.
