Here’s a vast overgeneralization that’s also true: All indie rock bands come either from the dreamy pop of Brian Wilson or the bluesier grind of Neil Young. I admit that my bias is towards the former: Crunch, heavy jams that go on forever are not generally my thing (the entire Jagjaguwar catalog notwithstanding). So when the first song of Brooklyn`s Weird Owl came on, which instantly recalls Black Mountain, I was skeptical. But I stayed on, and I’m damn glad I did.
Weird Owl (is this a punny reference to “Weird Al”?) distinguish themselves from the pack of grit-and-gravel, heavy hippie bands by infusing psychedelic harmonies and swirling synthesizers that recall Syd Barrett’s best work. The band’s debut, on Tee Pee Records, is set for a February 2009 release. Check it out.
