Cow Eats Grass, Man Eats Cow, Cymbals Eat Guitars

Cymbals Eat Guitars: you know the story. Chord-clash-y indie rock band from Staten Island, NY, famous (sort of) for having Pitchfork's "Best New Music" label bestowed upon them last March. I loved them Saturday night opening up for Art Brut (read my review here); aggressive P.com commenters disagreed, calling them "atrocious" and even noting "if they are around in 12 months, I'll be shocked." (Granted: this comment also comes from somebody who goes by the name "PringlesChief.") What's the deal with these guys anyway?

The best thing to come out of S.I. since Wu Tang.

Well, I'm not sure. The indie-rock blogosphere is keen on comparing them to Built to Spill and Modest Mouse -- applicable comparisons for sure, although it's hard to find ANYONE to really compare to CEG. Their music is all over the place -- long, twisted, full of sudden crescendos and decrescendos, tempo changes, tinkling keys and explosive guitars, gentle crooning and out-and-out yelling, lots of fuzz and drivel. There's certainly no "melody" here (as equally incisive P.com commenter Sir Digby noted) but still something...awesome. What is it?

"Wind Phoenix." not a video, just a song. Sorry, I suck.

Again, I don't know. But I think it has something to do with atmosphere. I like records that I can get lost in, that I can turn on and have them transport me to another world, where all I'm focused on is where the notes will go next, and the emotion behind the sound. Watching the band live, I was blown away by lead singer Joseph Ferocious's raw passion and fury...call me a yeasayer, but I'd be shocked if they're NOT still around in 12 months.

Not convinced? Check out the track "Indiana" (one of my faves) here. Thanks, Colour Me Impressed.

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