Saturday: Fixed, the Kicks, and Me
I figured since I'm gonna be DJing at the show these guys are doing this Saturday night, and since their new record, Two Thousand, is fantastic, I'd better get this down on (virtual) paper ASAP.
Seriously, the new album is gorgeous rock and roll, in the vein of MFR favorites Pela and the National, Spoon, the Walkmen, etc. It is a perfect blend of really solid songwriting (better than any of their previous output, which I really like), a fierce and driving rhythm section, layers of keys, and beautiful, ringing guitar tones. The songs are deeply layered, thanks to loads of fine tuning in the compositions by Josh and Nick, as well as some pretty masterful production by LA-based Doug Boehm.
French Kicks are a New York band, and they are awesome. They have been around since the late 90s, though founding members Nick (vox and keys) and Matt have known eachother (and played in bands together) since they were kids. Nick's brother Lawrence plays bass, their buddy Josh plays guitar, and Aaron runs the drum kit. Matt actually left the band before they started recording Two Thousand - the dynamic of the band appears to be a stressful and somewhat volatile one - but their bio assures us it was amicable.
Anyway, the new record is pretty incredible - I think comparing them to Spoon might be the best way to draw in new listeners to their sound, because much like the evolution that Spoon has had over their most recent records, Two Thousand is a big, strong leap forward for the Kicks. Pre-order it from out buddies at Insound. It comes out Tuesday, so do it. Right now.
So, like I said, Saturday night, French Kicks are playing my buddy JDH's party Fixed, and I'll be the guest-DJ, alongside residents JDH and Dave P. RSVP if you're coming out, and come early, because it will likely be packed to the point they turn people away at the door - send an email with your name to weare138nyc (at) yahoo.com
French Kicks are on at midnight - see you then!!