I randomly stumbled across this CD by Eskimo & Sons this morning on a friend’s recommendation. It is by a band based in Portland, Oregon that, as word has it, are making quite a stir in all the local record shops thereunder. The album name, verbosely titled How Does it Feel to be Crushed by One Man with the Strength of a Million?, is kind of reminiscent of classic Tortoise and, in a loose sense, I think the comparison might be an adequate one to make.
The music is sort of folky, dreamy. It is there but it doesn’t force itself upon you like, say, M.I.A. does. Featuring piano, acoustic guitars & drums, the band makes music that could be compared to a more jazzy Iron & Wine meeting a glitch-free Postal Service. Or a less dramatic Stars. In any case, it is post-rock for a warm Sunday afternoon.
And really, while the music is proficient, it is the vocals of Danielle Sullivan, whose voice at times reminds me of CocoRosie without all the sinister undertones (see the background vocals at 1:30 on “No Shit”), that really make the songs memorable. My only complaint is that I only wish she would sing more on the album.
This might be the band’s first “real” release (it was preceded by a 7″ released back in October, 2006) but it must be said: they are definitely off to a good start and I look forward to hear what they come up with next.
sounds of hush:
Eskimo & Sons - The Blizzard.
Eskimo & Sons - No Shit.
How Does it Feel to be Crushed by One Man with the Strength of a Million? is now on-sale through BoyGorilla Records for a scant $7. You can also check out what the band are up to by visiting their homes.
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