Mazarin/Sound Team/A Tundra
Empty Bottle 11/17/5
A TUNDRA
A Tundra is a band I can’t find any information about. It’s possible they haven’t recorded an album yet (I can’t remember seeing anything at the merch table for them.) They are a bit of an eclectic sort of four piece-with two guitars and a bass with drums at times and, at other times, keyboard was played instead of one of the guitars. I would describe them as a bit lackadaisical. There was alternating vocals between the female and male lead singer and I prefered the female singer, which is a bit unusual. Also, more harmonies between vocals would have been nice. Some of the songs lost me but I think they were creative ventures in progress while other songs reminded me a bit of some of the more melodic Animal Collective stuff off Sung Tongs. If anyone has any more information about this band that they can share, please comment. (When I google their name, all I seem to get is a geology lesson)
I’ll tell you, between Sound Team and I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness, Austin Texas has really seen a wealth of creativity arising from it’s city borders. (Luckily, Chicago has snagged Palaxy Tracks and somehow enticed them with snow.) Anyhow, if you are going to see Mazarin on this tour, go early and see Sound Team. Sound Team have a dynamically catchy and unique sound that was really nicely supplemented with a wurlitzer as well as a moog. So catchy and so captivating at the same time even on first listen. I was impressed with how well they came off live and as we speak am greatly enjoying their ep entitled: Work.
Okay…I’ll admit it. I actually enjoyed seeing Sound Team better than Mazarin but I still have to say that they should have had a bigger audience (perhaps they will gain some more fans on their tour with Rogue Wave.) The songs could have come off tighter live especially regarding the vocals. It was overall a great set with selections mainly from their fantastic and too often overlooked 2005 album: We’re Already There. If you don’t decide to see Mazarin live, you should still check out this album.
Mazarin’s My Space Page lists both Neil Young and the Feelies as influences as well as some stellar others and I can see that as an influence.
(Now playing: (was Sound Team: Work ep) but after posting all these pictures-it’s Palaxy Tracks: Twelve Rooms. And can I just say I love this album…no, love isn’t strong enough of a word. On first listen, I’m already convinced it’s going to be in my top five of the year and it has some pretty stiff competition. I can really see fans of the Czars liking this.)
November 20th, 2005 at 5:11 pm
I loved this show, too. Too bad no one was there. I think SOUND team is an amazing band.
November 20th, 2005 at 5:56 pm
You know, I hadn’t known about them beforehand at all. I just usually try to go early as I’ve found out about so many great bands that way and I was so glad I did!
I was sad the turn out wasn’t as good as it should have been as well. Sometimes I am not so sure why some bands get so many adoring fans and others don’t. Like, with Mazarin I felt that their last album was pretty well received by critics and that it has a pretty acessible sound. Ah well. I caught Palaxy Tracks the next night with Canasta and then Edith Frost last night but I have to sift through my pictures first.
Thanks for your comment!