ChapStick Weekly: Chapstick Weekly v4

Well, hello spur of the moment decision! I am reviewing Mardelay, a local Indianapolis band that contains my friend, Mo (alias Emily Richardson), in the capacity of Cello/Keys/Backing Vocals.

I caught up with them on Saturday night at the Mine Shaft in Broadripple, but...let's rewind to a more distant past momentarily. To Birdy's.

Birdy's Nightclub, a mile-ish distance from the Broadripple strip has a creeping decoration of wall-to-wall band flyers, posters, stickers, and other memorabilia. It is a place for a band to come and cut their proverbial teeth, giving local bands an opportunity to share the stage with rising national acts, and to perform in the shadow of famous after-hours appearances including Prince.

The high stage sits in an isolated corner of the room, no less than 16 ft. away from the tall tables and chairs that line the back wall between the back door and the bar. A balcony overlooks this expansive, mostly unused, dance floor from the far side of the room. There are vacant pool tables in well-lit back rooms.

Mardelay played their second set of the evening, the first being at another small local place. Their singer had strep throat or something of that nature.

Even so, their performance was practiced and dignified. Opening unexpectedly with a guitar/cello duet with a primacy on vocals, the band quickly silenced the surrounding chatter and replaced it with a melodic intro.

As the other band members meandered casually onto the stage, their instruments added to the mix, eventually providing a full-fledged onslaught of overdriven sound. I was surprised and pleased to see the incorporation of keyboard on a few songs, as well as background vocals on several tracks.

Although the grace of this introduction song was not quite captured again, the band's sound seemed to be very deliberate in its style and presentation. The members obviously have been working hard together, and their ability to take cues from each-other on stage was apparent.

Mardelay's EP release is expected this July. Check them out!

What's New to Me and Maybe New to You

The Bird and the Bee

Who is this band? That's what all the kids are saying aka what is the general response upon first listening to this group. The crystaline peals of the lead singer's voice ring true, but make it incredibly difficult to sing along to. And you're going to want to! The catchy, meaningful lyrics of their bouncy songs are irresistible when it comes to singing them loudly (generally incorrectly). Also, I find myself dancing with a funny crooked neck when this music is on.

I'm from Barcelona

"I have built a treehouse! I have built a treehouse! Nobody can see us: It's a You and Me House!" with a banjo/mandolin/oohs/aahs backing and full-on danceability. I think they are probably not from Barcelona, as I, for some reason, can't really picture a Spanish treehouse. Imagining that such things exist are beyond me. This band reminds you of something you can't quite put your finger on, but don't really feel pressure to dwell on. (ps. they are Swedish.)

Wildbirds & Peacedrums

Wild as in Amazonian rainforest wild! Their music is such an amalgam of styles and influences that it is literally impossible to classify – and it sounds as if it's all created between a Swedish songbird and a Nord drummer. And it is! As Swedish pop duos go, they match the Scandinavian eccentricity that you'd expect, ranging from jumprope chants (with the backing of hand-made peacedrums) to nostalgic blues in the scope of each song. Any way you look at this band, it is a fun listen with its own brand of energy: an experience in itself.

In Case You're a Dummy

Buy the Ratatat, Classics disc. The building, diving, powerful music is good for all occasions. Don't be alarmed! It is instrumental. Four sets of cascading guitar riffs and melodies, harmonizing synthesizers, driving beats, and all-around well-produced effects. This album has some danceable tunes, but the most enjoyment can probably be had as driving background-music inspiration. Katie Jones once said that this would be one of the best CD's to have in the background of a runway show. And she knows things like that.

The Alamo: Broken Social Scene, Broken Social Scene

Remember Broken Social Scene, Broken Social Scene? What a revelation of music! What a revelation of the soul itself. This extremely large band leaves an extremely large impression on your understanding of music by the end of this self-titled release.

The collection of talent on this band is astounding. And, to use the expression, the combination puts everything in its right place.

The creation and execution of each track is organic, with instruments and harmonies playing delicately off eachother as if they were two trees that had grown together, their branches playing into intricate patterns as they grow seamlessly, unmistakably together.

From straightforward, rocking tracks, to songs with elaborate percussions, confusing songs about getting cortizone in your eyes or Canadian armament, and songs whose lyrics will cause a knee-jerk reaction on a first date, this album can do nothing but please the avid music listener.

Technology for Sounds: iLike

Omg, I'm totally like reviewing a facebook app. But! Lo-and-behold! It is an independent app! You can plug this directly into iTunes for recommendations, band updates and more! iLike, despite its connection to a shameless social network site, is a wholly useful and integrated piece of technology. After loading in the titles of bands, the application automatically updates you when bands post local shows, new videos, blogs, photos, music, etc. etc. The "Local Shows" utility of this application is worth getting on facebook just to make use of. Within the facebook world, you can also dedicate songs and videos using this application, making it another useful way to share music.

Some Things Are Funny

Like Solo Dance Parties. We all have them. Don't deny it. Here is the first ever! Chapstick Weekly Self-Help Solo Dance Party Tips and Tricks Recommendations and Techniques List!

1. Always dance with your eyes open.

What is closing your eyes going to do? You might run into something besides. It is good practice to have your eyes open, in case you decide to muster up the courage to dance in front of other people. You don't want it to look like you're on drugs, or that you are picturing making out with yourself.

2. Make a serious face. Really serious.

This makes you look more serious.

3. Try to wear what you would ordinarily wear.

It is a romantic thought that you would dance around in your underwear, or bare foot, or in a snow suit, but really. Stripping by yourself is silly, a stubbed toe is dangerous, and you'll quickly overheat in a snowsuit.

4. Take risks that might get you caught dancing by yourself.

Like leaving the door unlocked after you have invited guests over. I have tried this a lot, and no one has ever really thought it was weird for me to be dancing by myself.

5. Try dancing to a Chapstick Weekly Mix.

That's why they are there, dummy! The songs may inspire you to move in an unexpected way.

6. Don't move your arms so much.

Everyone remembers the Elaine. Even more so, arm movements generally are a lazy way of dancing. Once you eliminate the arms, moving everything else becomes much more important. Then you can really get down to business.

7. Name your dance moves.

If you feel like you look like some sort of exotic animal, the name will probably be appropriate. Other name suggestions include: out-of-date appliance brand names, city street names, former vice presidents, and backyard game items.

8. One thing to Note:

Once you are a stage performer, I encourage you to break all these rules. Where would we be if frontmen didn't dance in snowsuits, smiling, eyes closed, with their arms outstretched like they are a four-year-old make believing they are an airplane?

In summary, a wise man once told me, "If it feels good, do it." And that's all she wrote! For your dancing!

Next Week:

Margot & the NS&S's Interview, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! and more gloss for those puckering kissers.