Category:
Pop

Try if you like:
Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, Stephen Malkmus

Here's an interesting new indie band for you. Let me introduce Clock Hands Strangle (curious name indeed) from Orlando, FL. Early in 2007 the foursome released a 6-track EP entitled Paper Flowers. Redshift / Blueshift is Clock Hands Strangle first full-length album and it is quite charming. They have that traditional "indie" feel to their music, in the vein of a more acoustic Pavement/Stephen Malkmus. You might think of an acoustic Death Cav For Cutie because Clock Hands never really get too loud. Their songs are quite laid back and relaxing. The lyrics are delivered in a matter-of-fact style without being at all forceful, like Death Cab.

On "Elegy For A Star" you think the band is going to start rocking out and it does prove to be one of the louder tracks of the mostly acoustic-based set. But it is the gentler tracks that I found to be more appealing. "Perspective" is an easy going song with some interesting guitar riffs keeping the listener attuned. This is right before Todd Portnowitz voice comes in to win you over. "Blueshift" comes off with a bit of a country twang.

Clock Hands Strangle is a good addition to the indie landscape. They should win some fans over with Redshift / Blueshift. It will also be interesting to see where these guys go from here given a little more experience.