Modern Music

Young the Giant brought their foxy guy charms to the appriopriately names Woodies. Heh.

I interviewed a bunch of buzzworthy music artists and bands at SXSW this past week. Many of them were new to me, and some I talked to without being familiar with them at all. When so much talent’s there and ready to talk, sometimes homework comes later! And I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a handsome face and an affable attitude. My point is, here are three bands that I developed mini-crushes on, just ‘cuz they were so dang charming, cool and yes… Good-looking!!! (Sue me, aight?)

All three bands — Foster the People, Young the Giant and New Cassettes — crank out well-made, solid indie rock with a melodic sound. And they’re all friendly and easy on the eyes in that ratty T-shirt, messy hair, Vans-kicking way. Yes, I’m crushing… Maybe you should be, too. Get into them!

FOSTER THE PEOPLE

This L.A.-based trio rocked the stage in the afternoon heat atop the MTV Garage in Austin this past Thursday. Foster the People’s album, Torches, comes out on May 24th, and you can enjoy their self-titled EP now. Their sound serves up a breezy, thumping rhythm and sunny harmonies. It’s butt-shaking rock that goes perfectly with an outdoor stage and cold beer. But surprise… Their upbeat tunes secretly harbor darker imagery. The lithe and light-seeming “Pumped Up Kids” is actually about a teen with deadly violent tendencies. So, listen close.

And yep, they’re foxy! Win, win! Catch them now (if you can get tix) as they’re touring all over the U.S. this spring. Follow them via Twitter (@FosterThePeople) & Facebook.

Get the goods on New Cassettes and Young the Giant, after the jump!

NEW CASSETTES

I must admit, I wanted to do this to drummer Tommy (the tall one getting smooched) when I met them on the Woodies red carpet, too.

Five guys from Northampton, England (in the East Midlands, between London and Birmingham), New Cassettes made a splash about 3-4 years ago, but have they reached the U.S. much yet? No. Will that change? It’s likely, as their Silent Guns EP is out now via iTunes, and they’re about to get serious promotion thanks as a Hype Music artist (a confab between MTV and Extreme Music).

I just know when I chatted with them at the MTVU Woodies in Austin (watch for that soon) they were dreamy, funny, friendly and all-around delightful. Who doesn’t love some good lads who crank out jangly, crunchy, toe-tapping indie rock? Enjoy their “Silent Guns…” And yup, visit ‘em on their New Cassettes Facebook pages, and follow their Twitterness @NewCassettes.

YOUNG THE GIANT

Newport Beach boys, Young the Giant. Photo by Pieter M. van Hatten.

These guys you probably already know. They’ve done Jimmy Kimmel, in Austin for SXSW they packed ‘em in at shows all over town, their self-titled debut album’s been out a couple of months, and they’re touring all over the country. And they’re nice as hell (another Woodies red carpet interview is coming; watch for it!)!

Plus, Young the Giant’s sound can be driving, powerful melodic rock (see “My Body”) but they also know their way around softer, simpler tunes (watch their takes on their songs “Islands” and the gorgeous desert rendition of “I Got”). Plus, they’re just kind of charmingly hot/adorable/cool. (Enjoy Young the Giant on Facebook and via Twitter @YoungTheGiant.) P.S. They post great wall photos.

And just for kicks, here’s Young the Giant covering Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Love!!!!

And one more shot of Young the Giant. With stuffed creatures!

Awwwwww, crushing on foxy/sensitive guys in rock bands… Screw baseball! That’s the ultimate American pastime, thanks.

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