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Feral Children :: SXSW EP [Free MP3 ahead]

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Go to Last.fm's radio and search for bands *like* Modest Mouse or TV on the Radio. Of course, you get your usual Built to Spill, Mars Accelerator, Halo Benders, Ugly Cassanova--but you will probably see this lesser-known NW band. With growling lead vocals, eerie backing harmonics, heavy bass, and just enough synth, Feral Children play nicely with the well-established sound of Seattle's indie scene.

Haunted by chagrin and misfortune, the voice of Feral Children's SXSW EP (a prelude to their new album, Second to the Last Frontier) is reclusive, but lonesome. It yearns to be alone, yet once in isolation, it howls for our ears. In just four songs Feral Children create a distressing mood: one akin to being followed by not one but a host of pursuers. And like the choruses who follow Oedipus, the ghosts on Feral Children's EP sing of misdeeds--namely, your own. Even the relatively uplifting final track ("Zyghost)" is reassurance come too late; an apology for how it is: "someone will remember you, some time."

Although promising, the EP troubles me. I wonder if they're too similar to those aforementioned icons of indie rock--sounding like a band is often more hinder than help. To me the four-song EP feels a little like a clock showing nothing but quarter hours: the parts are distinct and significant, but lacking the numbers between to create cohesion. Furthermore, the track released as a single ("Spy Glass House") is certainly not their strongest. Either "Jaundice Giraffe" or "Saint" are better showcases of the band's depth.

Download Feral Children's "Spy Glass House" MP3 for free (w00t), but also listen to Saint (below), which is a much more interesting song. Also check out their MySpace page for the other tracks.

Band :: Feral Children

Album :: SXSW EP

Song :: Saint



Recommended if you like being followed by shadowy figures



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Comments

Dianna said…
Hey Jamie, thanks for spreading the word on Feral Children. They've been compared to early Modest Mouse, yes both bands are from Seattle, but FC to me is totally different. They have an explosive sound, a very experimental feel, that really takes me back to the roots of the original Seattle sound. Those interested can download their EP for free here: http://sarathan.com/free/feralchildren_ep/
I definitely recommend their debut album, it's amazing and they will blow you away in their live performances!
15 October, 2008
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