ARTIST: Cymbals Eat Guitars

Cymbals Eat Guitars are making some waves right now, and rightly so. This threesome is making some considerable wave-making music.

I used a song of theirs yesterday in our Indiana post, and it's just one of several great tracks off their independently released debut, Why There Are Mountains. In the album's first few minutes, their propensity for making noise might remind you of some early Modest Mouse, and their sheer intensity might call to mind At The Drive In (remember them?!). But this group is all about surprises, and they won't stay cornered for long. As the record's nine tracks unfold, elements of shoegaze, jazz, and even pop color the jagged sound-scape, with lots and lots of sonic surprises (think YHF and A Ghost is Born-era Wilco, but with more muscle). It would be easy for these guys to come off as a bit esoteric if it weren't for the un-adulterated hooks and melodies that weave in and out of all their songs. Every single one has what I call a "perk-up" moment, the kind that makes me stop what I'm doing and just listen. This is good stuff.

And by the way, their sound is just half of Cymbal Eats Guitars' talent. I was actually the most impressed with them after reading some of their lyrics. Basically, there's a lot to love here, above and below the surface. Enjoy.

mp3: Cymbals Eat Guitars - Wind Phoenix (Proper Name)
from the album Why There Are Mountains (Amazon/iTunes)