Melancholically languid indie rock. Gentle and easy folk-pop from America and France. Brown-sound inspired roots rock. It’s all here for you, questing music fans.
Lend me your ears, friends! This is this week’s Radio Free Lightning Bug’s Pack of Three.
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“Never Got The Buzz” by Modern Leisure
Name: Modern Leisure
From: Denver, CO, USA
Sound: Wistful indie rock that carries the weight of the world, yet is quietly content in doing so.
Story: Denver’s Modern Leisure is led by Casey Banker, who’s shared stages with Mazzy Star and the Lumineers, with the band he’s in realizing the same kind of spirit as each of those. This song was inspired by the idea of a spark that can exist between two people, yet often never seems to get off of the ground. Can you relate? The song is taken from the band’s debut record, Super Sad Rom Com.
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“Tidal Wave” by Freedom Fry
Name: Freedom Fry
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA via Paris, France
Sound: Countrified folk-pop with glorious vocal blends and with pedal steel that comes in like a cool breeze on a summer day.
Story: Comprised of American Bruce Driscoll and Paris-born Marie Seyrat, Freedom Fry is the name of the band. The two met on the set of a music video and began writing songs together in 2011, with several singles and EPs since. This cut is a paean to love that is both desired and overwhelming at the same time. I am a convert, friends. And you will be, too. The new album is called Classic and is out right now.
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“Good Luck Unto Ya” by The Rad Trads
Name: The Rad Trads
From: New York City, NY, USA
Sound: “Rock of Ages” era The Band textures, complete with loads of brass and celebratory vocal arrangements.
Story: To contrast the ecstatic love song from Freedom Fry, this one is a kiss-off track, albeit and extremely joyful one. “Good Luck Unto Ya” is an anthem to the end of a relationship that is marked with more of a sense of relief than sadness. The track conjures up The Band to my ears, singing drummer and all (that would be John Fatum), but also the trad jazz-style horn arrangements. As of this writing, The Rad Trads are on tour, promoting their second and newest full-length release On Tap, which will be released on September 14.
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What think ye, good travellers of musical highways and byways? Don’t keep me in suspense! Share your impressions in the comments below.
Happy Listening!
Radio Free Lightning Bug 