masterchiefx12
01/17/10, 12:45 PM
Plushgun - Pins & Panzers
Record Label: Tommy Boy Ent.
Release Date: February 17, 2009
You've probably never heard of Plushgun. I regret to say that I left my encounter with the Brooklyn-based, indie-pop trio up to chance. A pink CD case came across my desk about thirteen months ago labeled: Pins & Panzers Ashamedly, if it weren't for the appealing cover art of Patrick Smith, of Daria fame, I would have never made my way through the entire thirty-nine minutes in one piece. Call me superficial—I don't care—that's what happened. The album's first impression was good, not great; it took me over a year to dig that one back up—but I'm so thankful for second chances.
Daniel Ingala penned the band's first hit, "Just Impolite," and posted it to his myspace in the summer of 2008. Shortly after, Ingala recruited two of his friends, Matt Bogdanow and Taylor Armstrong, for live shows. Of course, the rest is history. With two music videos and a spot in the foreign film, Zweiohrküken, on the resumé, Plushgun is looking to make their mark in 2010.
"Dancing In A Minefield" introduces the album by way of a slow-moving hook that transforms into the much faster drum line—typical of today's electronica. The forceful "How We Roll" is definitely a favorite track, supplementing undertones of a familiar teenage setting to the addictive chorus ("this is how we roll: the suburban pioneers"). Enter subtle hand-clapping and a basic ukulele riff on "Let Me Kiss You (And I'll Fade Away)" for a well-rounded first record. Other regalities include "Without A Light," and "An Aria." The transition between these two final tracks showcases Ingala's songwriting credibility, as well as the bands diversity. The overall rebellious nature of this album recalls awkward conversations between nerds and cheerleaders during the final days of high school.
In a time where Owl City rules the airwaves, it's hard to imagine Plushgun ever getting any airplay on a major station, but perhaps that isn't the goal. For a complete agenda, follow Ingala's blog (generationplush.blogspot.com). Pins & Panzers contains about three to four songs worth hearing again, but that's not a shot at the band's integrity—I look forward to more. Look for Plushgun on tour in the US this year, and pray they will return to CMJ next fall.
Hellogoodby; Peachcake; Lydia
myspace.com/plushgun
Record Label: Tommy Boy Ent.
Release Date: February 17, 2009
You've probably never heard of Plushgun. I regret to say that I left my encounter with the Brooklyn-based, indie-pop trio up to chance. A pink CD case came across my desk about thirteen months ago labeled: Pins & Panzers Ashamedly, if it weren't for the appealing cover art of Patrick Smith, of Daria fame, I would have never made my way through the entire thirty-nine minutes in one piece. Call me superficial—I don't care—that's what happened. The album's first impression was good, not great; it took me over a year to dig that one back up—but I'm so thankful for second chances.
Daniel Ingala penned the band's first hit, "Just Impolite," and posted it to his myspace in the summer of 2008. Shortly after, Ingala recruited two of his friends, Matt Bogdanow and Taylor Armstrong, for live shows. Of course, the rest is history. With two music videos and a spot in the foreign film, Zweiohrküken, on the resumé, Plushgun is looking to make their mark in 2010.
"Dancing In A Minefield" introduces the album by way of a slow-moving hook that transforms into the much faster drum line—typical of today's electronica. The forceful "How We Roll" is definitely a favorite track, supplementing undertones of a familiar teenage setting to the addictive chorus ("this is how we roll: the suburban pioneers"). Enter subtle hand-clapping and a basic ukulele riff on "Let Me Kiss You (And I'll Fade Away)" for a well-rounded first record. Other regalities include "Without A Light," and "An Aria." The transition between these two final tracks showcases Ingala's songwriting credibility, as well as the bands diversity. The overall rebellious nature of this album recalls awkward conversations between nerds and cheerleaders during the final days of high school.
In a time where Owl City rules the airwaves, it's hard to imagine Plushgun ever getting any airplay on a major station, but perhaps that isn't the goal. For a complete agenda, follow Ingala's blog (generationplush.blogspot.com). Pins & Panzers contains about three to four songs worth hearing again, but that's not a shot at the band's integrity—I look forward to more. Look for Plushgun on tour in the US this year, and pray they will return to CMJ next fall.
Hellogoodby; Peachcake; Lydia
myspace.com/plushgun