THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND
DieAlps!, Kinder Than Wolves, Woolbright and Expert Timing, The Falcon, Aug. 27
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Pairing both locals and other in-state talent, this recent bill was a strong showcase of current Florida indie rock. Among the two good locals was
Expert Timing, a band whose virtues I’ve extolled
recently and who are such a joy that you’d have to be one seriously miserable malcontent to not be taken by them.
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Jen Cray
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Kinder Than Wolves at the Falcon
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Jen Cray
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Kinder Than Wolves at the Falcon
The other was
Kinder than Wolves. Moody, intricate and layered, their thoughtful indie rock is like
dreampop reimagined for a new generation. With an arrangement of drums and dual guitars, they weave a lot of texture for just a trio. Together, it renders a lovely world that’s forever twilight and suspended in reverie.
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Jen Cray
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Woolbright at the Falcon
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Jen Cray
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Woolbright at the Falcon
The imported Florida contemporaries included South Florida’s
Woolbright, who play an angular, restless brand of emo that buoys the heart bleed with some nice math dynamics. By set’s end, they even went for some big post-rock size.
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Jen Cray
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DieAlps! at the Falcon
On paper, though, probably the most eminent band was Tampa’s
DieAlps!, who arrived on the fresh release of their debut full-length album
Our City. Some records are a defining point in a band’s life. And, though still quite young in their creative arc with only two releases under their belt so far, this new album is unquestionably the first lightning bolt moment for DieAlps!.
Our City isn’t just an expansion of sound but a
crystallization of aesthetic. With it, they’ve become probably the most exciting, complete and upward act on top Florida indie label
New Granada Records right now.
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Jen Cray
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DieAlps! at the Falcon
The album is radiantly cast in the golden rays of ‘90s melodic indie rock, with echoes of bands like
Teenage Fanclub (and, by extension,
Yuck),
Catherine Wheel, Bettie Serveert and early
Radiohead but without being slavish to any one in particular. Most fundamentally, however, their current direction derives its spark and vigor from the greater, more balanced chemistry within the creative core of wife-husband team Connie and Frank Calcaterra. The reaction is a sound of more sweep, muscle and realization. And, here, DieAlps! played like a big, unified front. This is the sound of a band now firing on all pistons.
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Jen Cray
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DieAlps! at the Falcon
It was, in all, one of the most loaded bills to happen at the small art bar in some time, and the turnout reflected it.
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This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly's music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city's music scene.
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Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com