Thee More Shallows : "Book of Bad Breaks" (Anticon)

On face value, signing to Anticon (home of underground hip-hop) was a strange decision for Thee More Shallows. But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. One of the things I love about TMS, is their eccentrity or quirkiness, Anticon's ethics are based around the concepts of non-conformity. The label ahs been keen to diversify and lately have brought in more indie-oreintated acts such as SJ Esau and Bracken. I also love the fact that Thee More Shallows write some of the most euphoric melodies since Rivers Cuomo disbanded Weezer. However, TMS can wrap these melodies into experimental rock structures akin to someone like Pavement. Only the Yanks can produce bands like this and TMS follow in the traditions of Stephen Malkmus, Sonic Youth and even Grandaddy. Listening to the likes of "Night At The Night School", "The White Mask" and "Dutch Fist", you cannot help being swayed by this wonderful music. Some of the best songs written so far this year

Rating - 86%

"Night At The Knight School" mp3 - Thee More Shalows

Thee More Shallows

I have been anticipating what San Francsico three-piece Thee More Shallows would do next after a friend passed me some copies of their two previous albums , "More Deep Cuts" and "A History of Sport Fishing", a couple of years ago. Now signed to the ultra-cool Anticon label (13 & God, Themselves, Bracken, SJ Esau etc.) "Book of Bad Breaks is due out on April 24th and is supported by an extensive tour, which will again miss my town of Glasgow!.

Thee More Shallows sound has been described as dark, sinsiter and brooding, but it could also be described as atmospheric and beautiful, such is the quality of their sound. Hushed vocals mingle with melancholic chord chnages and some indie quirkiness that only American bands know how to do. They have the potential to fill the huge void left by Grandaddy and Pavement. Below is a cover of The Temptations "I Can't Get Next To You" from their stop-gap "Monkey Vs Shark" Ep.

"I Can't Get Next To You" mp3 - Thee More Shallows

Points of Interest

1. Big news at Herb Recordings, the Shamanic Techology album "Doorways" is available to order. Meanwhile, it seems Herb will be releasing Engine7's forthcoming "Me, But Perfect" album. The track "Tempertantrum" can be heard here, while the album is scheduled to be released in "the not too distant future". You can also download the opening track, "Sunrise Catalonia.." here.

2. You can read a review of Italian post-rockers Vanessa Van Basten, I wrote. It's posted on Opuszine.

3. Mogwai have been included in the ATP Vs The Fans line-up. This festival must surely have been selected by God himself with other acts appearing including Shellac, Alexander Tucker, Explosions In The Sky, Do Make Say Think and The Notwist.

4. The terrific Thee More Shallows have signed with the ultra-cool Anticon Label, home of 13 & God. "Book of Bad Breaks" is due on April 24th with some European and North American live dates expected. To say I am looking forward to this album, would be an understatement. If you haven't heard Thee More Shallows yet, get the four mp3's from 3hive. There's also a brand new track at myspace.

5. The UK's next big post-rock noise, The Pirate Shipe Quintet, have their ep available to pre-oder at Sound Devastation. For a limited time only, it costs only £4.50 (that's about $9 for North Americans..). Read this favourable review.

6. Indie For Bunnies has published the top 100 albums of 2006 after surveying several hundred blogs. I took part but only 2 of my top 20 made it in. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing?.