Jam of the Day | Cults - You Know What I Mean

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Back in November of 2010, Cults were charming us with their lo-fi groove "Go Outside," a web buzz track that had the whole internet stirring and wondering if there was more auditory excellence to come from the New York City duo. Well, Ms. Follin and Mr. Oblivion have certainly been able to keep everyone's crush (including us here at Speakers In Code) going, and growing, up to and through the release of their debut self-titled LP (6/7/11, In the Name Of /Columbia). The record features the previously web-released "Go Outside," "Abducted," and "Most Wanted," but new songs lie in wait to awe listeners and affirm the belief that Cults are a musical movement to be reckoned with this year.

"You Know What I Mean," a finger snappin' 1960's throwback that somehow still feels completely unique, is one of these spectacular new tunes. The track wavers brilliantly between breeziness and clamor, and thrives on this contrasting arrangement. Follin's voice bridges an impressive range; she is simply magical in the soft moments and daring as the song closes with the peak of the crescendo. "You Know What I Mean" can cause happiness-addled swaying just as easily as it can cause hands and fists in the air. Intoxicating in so many ways, "You Know What I Mean" is a stunning effort from Cults, who are well deserving of all the praise and followers in their flock to date.

Listen to "You Know What I Mean" below. Buy Cults here.

Album Review | Foster The People - Torches

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Speakers Rating: 89/100

In 2010, LA's dance/pop/rock outfit Foster The People sparked onto the scene with a tight three song self-titled EP. That EP featured "Pumped up Kicks" and "Helena Beat," two tracks reviewed (and much beloved) by this very site, and "Houdini" another upbeat piece of synth and drum driven excellence. On the strength of these three tracks, Foster The People set out on a captivating tour (including a rousing, sweaty show at Chicago's Schubas) while continuing to develop the songs that would eventually become their debut LP Torches (Columbia Records).

Torches thrives in Foster The People's sweet spot, with each track cooking up a different balance of the group's pop, rock, and dance sensibilities. The ten track record features the three songs from the EP, but these tunes are just kindling for Torches' dynamic conflagration. Putting a hot foot forward, Torches starts off with "Helena Beat," cools it down with the infectious "Pumped Up Kicks," and launches into the new material with "Call It What You Want," a straightforward dance-rock anthem.

"Call It What You Want"


The party burns on with "Color On The Walls (Don't Stop)," a groovy tune that has been forged in the sound of The Dandy Warhols, and "Waste," a more relaxed (but still bouncy) track that is a close to a ballad as FTP gets.

"Waste"


"Waste" is chased by "I Would Do Anything For You," perhaps the sweetest and most intoxicating of the non-EP tracks. Crackling with "Ooh La La's" and "I'm Falling in Love's," the tune is a direct descendant of late '90s one hit wonder The New Radicals (in a good way, trust us) and will make you wax nostalgic while dancing.

"I Would Do Anything For You"


In the final third of the record, Torches races to the finish and dials up the dance with hot tracks like "Hustling (Life On The Nickel)" and "Miss You," a drum and synth powered (but vocally melodic) stomper. The record closes with piano-accented "Warrant," another incredibly well put together pop-rock composition. As with most of the tracks on Torches, "Warrant" wastes no time reaching the catchy hook, the ultimate payoff of the tune that will brand itself on the listeners' brains for weeks and months to come.

"Warrant"


Overall, Torches is a polished start to finish effort from FTP. On the fuel of this surprisingly strong debut and their dexterous live performances, FTP are certainly primed to blow up. Torches may not be a record that inspires a musical revolution or incites deep personal introspection, but it will make you move your extremities and bob your cranium, repeatedly and incessantly. It very well may be the album of the summer, but don't be surprised if Torches' tracks heat up your ear-buds deep into the fall and winter as well.

Watch a live performance of "Miss You" below and pick up Torches here.

Jam of the Day | Cults - Abducted

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Back in January, we suggested you keep your eyes and ears on Cults, the cryptic NYC duo that set innumerable music websites aflutter with its dreamy, slightly creepy single "Go Outside." Cults capitalized on the unabashed internet love, signed with Columbia Records, and now the self-titled debut LP drops on June 7th. In advance of the record's release, Cults have released "Abducted," a '60s throwback rocker (think a buzzed out Shangri-La's track) that features vocals from both band members, Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion. The jam is earnest, structured, and catchy.

While not quite as "out there" as "Go Outside," Cults maintain the aura of mystery and creepiness by crafting a pop-rock love song and calling it "Abducted." If their record is filled with tunes like this, these two can lure us into the back of a van any day.

Get "Abducted" below.


If the sound alone doesn't already have you in the throws of Stockholm Syndrome, watch this retro cinema themed unofficial video: