New decade. Out with the old. If you’ve been following TRIPLE THREAT for the past several years, you’ll know the former intro lost whatever luster is had some time ago. But coming up with something new every week is a significant commitment, not to mention that it defeats the purpose of the column; the focus should be on the songs. But we did want to take the opportunity to make sure new readers understand what this particular feature is about in order to encourage them to keep coming back. After all, TT was created to provide a quick entry point into the local music scene for newcomers or for those who might be too busy to keep up with all the day-to-day activity that goes on. It’s simply a highlight of some of the best music we heard over the past week. So while this intro might change more often moving forward, the format, as always, will remain the same: three songs, some words, and we out. Enjoy.
Pike Co. – “Nice Moves”
From the forthcoming EP, Powerplant in Heaven
To be honest, Walking Music, Pike Co.’s 2018 debut, felt more like a sneak peek than a full-blown introduction. I always anticipated the group would follow it up fairly quickly with a more robust release, but here we are well over a year later and we’re finally getting a glimpse of what the group is capable of in the studio. No matter. “Nice Moves” is a gently swaying jam with just enough of an acerbic bite to make you want to peel back its undulating layers. On the surface, it’s a simple cut, but listen long enough and suddenly its elusive secrets begin to unravel. From psychedelic surf to lo-fi fuzz to pensive indie rock, Pike Co. pack the track with shambling hooks and moody atmosphere aplenty, but it’s the song’s underlying sense of resentment and brooding mystique that really shine through. – Guillermo Castro
Pike Co. will celebrate the release of Powerplant in Heaven on Fri., Mar. 20 at the EARL alongside Yukons, Warm Red, and Sword II. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 DOS. 21+ to enter.
More Info
Facebook: @pikecompany
Bandcamp: pikecompany.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @pikecompany
Twitter: @pikecompany
Credit: Christina Schneider
of Montreal – “Polyaneurism”
From the new LP, UR FUN
“Polyaneurism” feels like the perfect track for anyone trying to date in these modern times, where if you aren’t poly yourself you’re probably encountering or dating someone who is. And while of Montreal can always be relied on for updated ’80s dance glitz, I think this track, and their new album in general, proves they’re also here to provide refreshing takes on current cultural issues. Sparklingly of-the-moment lyrics like “insta-fame,” “the tea,” “current sitch,” “idk,” and “poly-curious,” make this song feel like it’s pulled from real text chains. The elevated BPM evokes the frantic feel of a new relationship that is fun, but quickly getting complicated, and the chorus of “Ay ay ay” says a lot. It’s someone shaking their head while smiling—not totally dismissive, but a little overwhelmed. Prescription: listen when you need a break from your triad drama. – Dez Miller
of Montreal will perform on on Thu., Feb. 27 at the Georgia Theatre alongside Lily’s Band and Swowce. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $15. 18+ to enter.
More Info
Web: ofmontreal.net
Bandcamp: ofmontreal.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @ofmontreal
Instagram: @of_montreal
Twitter: @xxofMontrealxx
Hollow Sinatra – “Free Falling.”
From the standalone single
Hollow Sinatra became one of this year’s artists to watch in part because of his willingness to defy easy categorization. New single “Free Falling.” also hints at that disregard for labels, albeit in a manner that slightly more measured. Classifications certainly come to mind—electronic, hip-hop, R&B, soul—but the track is less a byproduct of these styles than it is its own singular amalgamation. At various points throughout the song there are nods to Prince’s slinky pop, Frank Ocean’s broad eclecticism, and Radiohead’s icy futurism. And yet when the final chord fades what lingers isn’t some grandiose vision but rather the confessional outpouring of a young man yearning to be set free. Even when he’s pushing boundaries, Hollow Sinatra puts a premium on intimacy and vulnerability. – Avery Shepherd
More Info
Instagram: @hollowsinatra
SoundCloud: @hollowsinatra
Twitter: @hollowsinatra