With only one release from a veteran band (The Long Winters’ Putting the Days to Bed), Seattle super indie Barsuk Records used 2006 as a showcase for its newest roster acquisitions.  There were seven releases by ‘new’ artists in 2006, most of which were by acts who had already established themselves on smaller labels (Rocky Votolato, Mates of State, Viva Voce).  The three true newcomers to the national scene were teen duo Smoosh, pop-multi-instrumentalist Jim Noir, and the much ballyhooed about What Made Milwaukee Famous. 

Although both the Jim Noir and Rocky Votolato albums were entertaining, the new pack of Barsuk bands seemed to lack the confidence and stature of roster mainstays like John Vanderslice, the aforementioned Long Winters, and Nada Surf.  In bits and pieces they were interesting but as a whole they all carried the tag of artists who had yet to hit their stride.  If any of them bloom to their full potential within the next 2-3 years, Barsuk will be swimming in talent for their next few release schedules.  For the time being however, we wait and hope.

But we won’t have to wait much longer.  As the year draws to a close and preparations begin for next year’s releases, Barsuk have announced the signing of Portland, OR band Menomena and after listening to their up coming label debut, Friend and Foe, there is no doubt in my mind that the band will soon join the ranks of Vanderslice, Nada Surf, Death Cab for Cutie, and Long Winters as one of Barsuk’s cornerstone bands.

The experimental three-piece skews and plays with the traditional ‘indie rock’ sound, incorporating several layers of instruments into each song.  While this kind of songwriting usually results in a hodge podge slush of headache-inducing overkill, the boys in Menomena know when to scale back and let the harmony of the song carry the weight.  If you match this mature restraint with their multi-vocalist approach, you have 12 songs that vary enough to make a full album spin go by effortlessly.  You’ll want to hit repeat and start over again.

‘Wet and Rusting’ is the first label-distributed mp3 off Friend and Foe and one of the more upbeat pop-oriented tracks.  It is also one of my favorite songs off the record.  Listen as the band matches and mixes several layers without overwhelming or losing focus. 

Save your hard earned money.  On January 23rd Friend and Foe drops and you’ll want to be in line PS3 style.

[mp3] Menomena - Wet and Rusting

BONUS MP3!

Here is an exclusive, unreleased track from Aqueduct’s up coming record Or Give Me Death, out February 20th on Barsuk.  It is titled ‘As You Wish’ and it reminds us all that dismembered love is the best kind of love.

[mp3] Aqueduct - As You Wish