Indie is definitely a genre most people associate with hipsters and that chick at the Starbucks with magenta hair and a Cosby sweater. My love for indie bands have faded throughout the years, due to the fact that every other indie band sounds like the next. Most of them today probably have really bizarre names like Fluttering Tortilla Chip or some shit like that. The truth of the matter is originality has thrown in the towel, so it is extremely difficult for an indie band to stand out in a pool full of curly afros, unkempt beards and fashion aviators.
Once in a while, however, a great indie band comes along, picking up the pieces to this worn-out genre. The Danks, a heart-warming Canadian male quartet, certainly have the right sound. They possess a fresh aura, but still have great old school indie traits that I fancy in particular.
Their single “Automocar”from their Hidden Pony Records debut album AreYou Afraid Of The Danks (I’m thinking the name comes from popular 90s Nickelodeon television thriller Are You Afraid Of The Dark), is one of the better indie singles I’ve heard in a while. This surprises me, mostly because I dislike how bland and cheap the indie genre has become.
I can tell The Danks refuse to be labeled as just another indie band trying to “make it.” Having played with one of my favorites Tokyo Police Club, a band known for their great indie-influencein the music world, The Danks have swallowed up their own music prototype and regurgitated perfection. “Automocar” is brilliant, smooth, and has an abundanceof musical elements from old indie to new age. Their drum and guitar combination remind me of The Strokes, who if you know me well, were my all-time favorite band since I was eleven. I don’t think “sounding like The Strokes” would be an insult to them at all. “Automocar” will have your feet tapping and head bobbing the whole time, guaranteed.
Are You Afraid Of The Danks will be released May 22nd, 2012. The album is absolutely magnificent and their sound exceeds excellence. These handsome young men have shown me that there are indie bands who can still rock out and not force me to massage my temples in frustration.
Groove to The Danks’ “Automocar”:
