Five Buzz Bands Pitchfork Insists We Like, But That We Can't Get Into
Every season, a handful of bands dominate Pitchfork's news posts, features and attention. The blog is frequently viewed as the "tastemaker" of the independent music microcosm -- and with tantalizing headlines and by-the-minute updates via Twitter, we feel a strange amount of pressure to love Pitchfork's latest buzz bands. This is the best new music, after all! 
But we can't bow to that peer pressure. Below, we've compiled a list of five Pitchfork darlings who, after many listens, still don't cause us to see beams of light shining down from the heavens.
5. Cloud Nothings
Admittedly, Cloud Nothings are more sonically well-rounded than what we remember of their self-titled second album, which was laden with saccharine power-pop anthems. Still, the graduation from lo-fi solo project to full band can't shake our gut response of discontent. Third album Attack on Memory is angst-y (seriously dudes, you're on the bill for S.S. Coachella's maiden voyage), but not in the dizzying fashion of true emo troubadours Sunny Day Real Estate. Nor do Cloud Nothings channel the raw aggression of sweat-and-gore mosh pits. Simply put, Cloud Nothings remind us of trying on identities at Hot Topic, and that one and only Warped Tour we went to in 6th grade. We don't particularly strive to relive those two moments.
See also: Pulp to Headline Coachella Cruise: Here's the Full Lineup
4. Twin Shadow
Much like his persona, Twin Shadow's music has been described as "slick, sultry and sneering." All that registers are synths that mesh awkwardly against sharp snares, all hooks and vocals that oscillate wildly to the point of confusion. At times frontman George Lewis Jr. yelps like Kele Okereke; at others, he yearns Win Butler-esque without the sincerity. Mostly, Lewis channels more cheese than charm, partially due to weak, vapid lyrics. Latest release Confess's album art -- which features Lewis posing as a misunderstood bad boy in a studded leather jacket, sporting a slick rockabilly haircut and smirking-yet-soulful stare at the camera -- doesn't help the cheesiness factor.
Email to Friend
Write to Editor
Print Article
