Topher Parks recommends: SON LUX

The other day I came across an artist I wish I would have known about much sooner. I noticed that Ian Harvey (vocalist for the Texas-based hardcore band UGLYTWIN) was harping on well-established indie electronic mastermind Ryan Lott, more specifically Lott’s musical endeavor known as Son Lux, so I thought I’d give it a shot. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed. One of the songs that really stood out to me was “Lost It to Trying.” The percussive backbone is the first thing that got my attention, but the blend of piccolo, flute, violins and saxophones are what kept it. You can buy this full-length, Lanterns, which released back in October, on his BandCamp page.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ephdl5HjIzQ&h=297&w=450]

Ryan Getz recommends: DIANE CLUCK and BRICK + MORTAR

Brick + Mortar (can’t forget that plus sign!) is the catchiest drum and bass band you’ve never heard. Wait a bit, and that sentence will probably read “Brick + Mortar is the catchiest drum and bass band you’ve heard.” Yes, I’m being intentionally presumptuous. With vocals that sound straight out of Coheed and Cambria, and industrial pounding reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails, the end result is somewhat unexpected. Loud, booming, FUN rock that will have everyone singing and dancing at a Brick + Mortar show. At a recent performance, singer Brandon Asraf urged the audience to hear “so I don’t feel like a complete failure!” he quipped, tongue slightly in cheek. If the small fan base has their way, Asraf will not have to be facetious anymore soon – because the band will have succeeded.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfrPU0Gk5r0&h=297&w=450]

Diane Cluck I checked out at the insistence of a persistent publicist (hey, at least I’m being honest).  Though I’m still not sure how I feel about the promo pic, I do know I’m sorry I slept on this singer. “Sara” is a splendid song that shows off Cluck’s slightly warbling, yet consistently beautiful restrained vocals. She also has a very interesting way of playing guitar – almost like a bass, but not quite. Watch the NPR Tiny Desk concert with her below to see what I mean.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyETsd-rKP8&h=297&w=450]