Thursday, November 3, 2016

Current Earworm, Just What It Says on the Tin

My current musical obsession is a new song, called New Song by LA band Warpaint. I typically like songs which are lyrically complex, but this particular song has simple lyrics but a complex sonic tapestry. I like the central conceit of the song- a new love is as compelling, as obsessive as an earworm. I particularly like this version of the song, recorded in the studios of WFUV, the radio station of Fordham University in the Bronx:





What's not to like about that? I dig the breathy, almost ethereal vocals, the jagged, staccato bursts of trebly guitar, and most of all, that sinuous, earthy base (the bassist is super cute too).

Here's a slightly rawer-sounding live version recorded at Seattle's KEXP:





I think the vocal harmonies come out better in this version, though it's less polished.

Overall, the song is 'poppier' than the band's older releases, and with its eminently danceable beat and simple subject matter, it should become a monster hit. I first heard it on college radio, now the local 'alternative' commercial station is playing it. By year's end, it should be all over mainstream radio.

Here's a less 'airplay friendly' song from the band:





Now, that's a sound to give one goosebumps... love those harmonies.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

They're good. The bassist is the sister of actress Shannyn Sossamon, who herself used to be in the band.

Big Bad Bald Bastard said...

I'm not really familiar with her sister's body of work, though I did read up on the band's biography before posting this.

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

Thanks, B^4. I rely on you kids for new musik.
~

Big Bad Bald Bastard said...

It's the least I can do, Thunder!